OpenAI has enhanced its ChatGPT generative AI chatbot with search engine capabilities, marking a direct challenge to Google's long-standing dominance in web search. According to a blog post by OpenAI, the update allows users to obtain fast, timely answers with links to relevant web sources, previously requiring a separate search engine. This significant upgrade enables ChatGPT to deliver real-time information, complete with direct links to source material on various topics such as weather forecasts, stock prices, sports scores, and breaking news.
The examples showcased on the OpenAI website closely mimic search results on Google and Google Maps, as well as the interface of Perplexity, an AI-powered search engine that offers a more conversational version of Google with referenced sources. Users now have the option to either receive these results by default or manually activate the web search feature by clicking the web search icon. OpenAI also noted that any website or publisher can choose to appear in ChatGPT's search results, with the company actively seeking feedback from content creators to further refine the system.
The introduction of this feature raises questions about OpenAI's relationship with Microsoft, a major investor in the startup. Microsoft is also attempting to expand the reach of its search engine against Google using its Copilot AI. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman aims to grow the company into an internet giant, having recently secured a $157 billion valuation in a fundraising round that included Microsoft, Tokyo-based SoftBank, and AI chip maker Nvidia. The addition of search engine capabilities will likely increase the company's substantial computing needs and costs.
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