OpenAI has expanded the capabilities of its ChatGPT generative AI chatbot, now allowing it to function as a search engine. The update, introduced on Thursday, enables users to get timely answers with web-sourced links, a move aimed at challenging Google’s search engine. Previously, users relied on traditional search engines for this functionality. This major upgrade equips the AI chatbot to deliver real-time information.
The new ChatGPT homepage now provides tabs for sourced materials on topics ranging from weather forecasts and stock prices to sports and breaking news. The interface, as shown on OpenAI’s website, resembles search results similar to those on Google and Google Maps, as well as Perplexity’s conversational AI-based search engine, which provides sourced answers. Both OpenAI and Perplexity are currently facing lawsuits from The New York Times for allegedly scraping or linking to copyrighted content without permission.
What’s Special?
Instead of launching a separate product, OpenAI has integrated search capabilities directly into ChatGPT for paying subscribers and will also make it available to free users. Users can activate the search feature by default or enable it manually. OpenAI mentioned that any website or publisher can opt-in to appear in ChatGPT’s search results, and the company actively seeks feedback from content creators to further refine the system.
Sam Altman’s Favorite Feature
Both Google and Microsoft incorporate AI answers with web results. Currently, this feature excludes ads, offering cleaner results compared to Google. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman tweeted on Thursday, saying, “Search is my favorite feature we’ve launched on ChatGPT since its launch in 2022.” Altman also shared on Reddit, “I think it’s a faster and easier way to get the information I need.”
The launch raises questions about the startup’s ties with Microsoft, which is also aiming to expand its Bing search engine’s reach as competition with Google intensifies. Altman envisions his company as a potential internet powerhouse.
