Recently, OpenAI introduced “ChatGPT Search,” a new feature within its ChatGPT chatbot that positions the company to compete directly with major search engines like Google, Microsoft’s Bing, and Perplexity. This new tool delivers real-time results for sports scores, stock quotes, news, weather, and more by tapping into up-to-date web searches and collaborating with established news and data providers.
First tested as “SearchGPT” in July, the feature is now available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, while ChatGPT Enterprise and Edu users will gain access in the coming weeks. OpenAI plans a broader rollout to free-tier users over the coming months.
The launch poses potential implications for Google, as ChatGPT’s conversational search offers an innovative approach to gathering information online. Google’s parent company, Alphabet, saw a 1% dip in stock prices following the announcement, reflecting investor concern that OpenAI’s tool could eventually shift market share from Google’s search dominance.
Interestingly, Microsoft, which has invested nearly $14 billion in OpenAI, also has stakes in this competition, as ChatGPT’s search capabilities mirror features in Microsoft’s own products, such as Bing and the AI-powered Copilot.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed excitement over the launch, calling search his “favorite feature” in ChatGPT since its initial release. Users can interact with ChatGPT Search by asking natural, conversational questions and following up as needed, just as they would in a live conversation.
The search model, based on OpenAI’s advanced GPT-4 technology, includes contributions from news partners like The Associated Press, Reuters, and Condé Nast, offering linked sources users can explore by clicking the “Sources” button in the response sidebar.
In its blog post, OpenAI shared that it would continue to refine ChatGPT Search, particularly for shopping and travel queries, leveraging its AI’s reasoning capabilities to provide deeper insights. While ChatGPT Search is expanding rapidly, OpenAI has faced internal changes, including executive departures, and anticipates around $5 billion in losses on $3.7 billion in revenue this year. With a valuation of $157 billion after a recent funding round, OpenAI’s trajectory continues to attract attention and debate, both in tech circles and beyond.
