OpenAI has announced SearchGPT, an AI-powered search engine designed to provide real-time, concise summaries of web content. The service, currently in its prototype stage, is accessible to a group of 10,000 test users and is part of OpenAI’s broader efforts to integrate search capabilities into ChatGPT.
Enhanced Search Experience
SearchGPT features a large query input box and, instead of traditional clickable links, delivers summarized information along with source attributions. For example, a search on music festivals will yield a brief overview of upcoming events, while a query on planting tomatoes might offer comprehensive advice on different plant types. The tool also supports follow-up questions and additional link exploration through a sidebar. Notably, the “visual answers” feature has been introduced, although specifics about its functionality remain undisclosed.
Using the GPT-4 family of AI models, SearchGPT intends to interpret and organize search results more efficiently. Currently, the service collaborates with third-party partners and direct content feeds to curate its responses. Kayla Wood, a spokesperson for OpenAI, highlighted that the primary goal is to merge these search capabilities within ChatGPT.
Collaborations with Media Outlets
OpenAI has secured partnerships with numerous organizations such as The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, and Vox Media. These media partners can control their content presentation within SearchGPT and decide whether to participate in AI model training. Clear attributions and links in responses aim to enhance user engagement and allow access to more results.
Launching in its prototype phase allows OpenAI to address potential issues, including inaccuracies and proper content attributions. Reports of development have surfaced since February, and the ongoing advancements aim to bolster ChatGPT’s real-time web functionalities, including its “Browse with Bing” feature.
Financial Implications and Future Strategies
Though SearchGPT’s launch has been swift, the underlying operational costs are steep. Estimates indicate that AI training and inference costs could escalate to $7 billion this year. Currently, SearchGPT is free and devoid of advertisements, but OpenAI will need to devise a monetization plan to sustain the service.
The search engine uses general location data to refine the relevance of search results, offering localized recommendations such as nearby dining options or weather forecasts. Users can opt to share more precise data through the settings menu.
Impact on the Search Industry
By releasing a search tool, OpenAI is charting a course directly for Google, the dominant player in internet search. We have already seen how Microsoft attempted to challenge Google with Bing Chat. While that release, which was made in collaboration with OpenAI, caught Google by surprise, it did little to impact Google’s overall dominance.
By time Bing Chat became Copilot, Google had regrouped with its own Bard chatbot, which itself later became Gemini. Google has also been busy shoring up its dominant position, including having exclusive access to Reddit’s data. However, OpenAI may be able to present a real threat to Google.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 3:30 pm CET
