- OpenAI has added regular web search functionality to ChatGPT
- The company behind one of the most popular services of recent years is challenging Google
- Search in ChatGPT lists clear sources and works with several publishers
As OpenAI announced, it did. The experiment with SearchGPT was supposed to go directly to ChatGPT over time, and that’s exactly what happened. ChatGPT has thus newly acquired a real-time search function, which has finally stopped walking around the hot mess and now has definitely challenged Google.
New era
Search is built right into ChatGPT and allows users to access live web data right within their chat interactions. Called ChatGPT Search, the feature is currently only available to subscribers, but will be rolled out to free users, business and education users in the coming weeks.
In the context of the last months and years, AI search engines are nothing new, after all, we know and use Perplexity for example well. However, few are as popular and widely used as ChatGPT, and now the AI-powered search engine is finally here. Users can activate the web search either automatically based on the nature of their query or manually by clicking on the globe icon.
By searching directly in ChatGPT, OpenAI aims to solve the main limitation by bridging the knowledge gap that previously had a stop sign in 2021 and then in 2023.
Factually and correctly?
Of course, OpenAI is not the only company that implements something like this. Just think of Google and its AI Overviews, which generally work well, but managed to generate absurd answers to absurd questions. Including tips and tricks on how to put glue on pizza or how to eat rocks. The new search in ChatGPT can deal with similar things without any problems and it stood up to the dozens of other more or less real, absurd and stupid questions I tried. Not always everything was factually correct one hundred percent, but at least the overwhelming majority of the answer was always correct.
Web search results via ChatGPT for the requested query
But we mustn’t forget that we still have the honor of a great language model and it can still hallucinate, even if it shouldn’t happen so often and to such an extent. To support search, OpenAI has partnered with data providers, including Bing (through which ChatGPT previously searched), as well as media companies such as Hearst, Condé Nast, Axel Springer, News Corp and others.
The aim of such partnerships is to provide accurate and up-to-date information from various categories such as news, weather, finance and sports. After all, ChatGPT always lists clear and clickable sources, so you can always get directly to the source relatively easily and quickly. The question is who will do it and what it will do to the website traffic in a few years.
User comfort
Will OpenAI monetize its new search? Well, in the end, probably yes, but for now they claim that there really is no advertising in the plan. This is a big difference and, from the point of view of user comfort, a huge advantage compared to Google, which does not serve a lot of advertising and whose business model relies on advertising. The purity of the search results in ChatGPT and the absolute focus on the answer, not links (although yes, Google is no longer just a list of links) is incomparable from the point of view of user comfort.
ChatGPT web search results for “iPhone 16 review”
The timing of ChatGPT Search goes hand-in-hand with growing interest in AI-based search technology, as competitors such as Google and Meta develop their own AI capabilities. Before long, it will probably be quite difficult to search for something without AI.
But finally, something is happening in the search box. As a result, it seems that Google has, perhaps for the first time in its existence, something that could turn out to be real competition. And it’s not AI Bing, but the search in the mega popular ChatGPT. The aforementioned Meta, which is also said to be working on an AI search engine, could also be heavily used due to its popular services and applications. Not to mention whether Apple will join all of this (or will be forced to join due to regulators) over time and something other than Google will be the default option on its devices. Ultimately, we, the users, should benefit from the finally real, relevant and ambitious (sorry DuckDuckGo…) competition of Google.
Author of the article
Adam Homola
New technologies have fascinated me since an early age. Over time, my long-term interest in games and the gaming industry was naturally joined by hardware, software, internet services and, from 2022, artificial intelligence.
Oh, the joys of technology! A here’s a cheeky introduction to the latest updates from the world of AI. Buckle up, folks!
OpenAI Has Added Regular Web Search Functionality to ChatGPT?!
Right then, don your digital hats, because OpenAI has poured a little magic into the old ChatGPT. It’s not just a fancy chatbot anymore; it now has a shiny new web search feature! Talk about leveling up! It’s like finding out your grandma has a secret identity as a superhero. ‘Super Grand!’
The Company is Taking on Google!
Yes, the tech wizards at OpenAI have decided that the time has come to throw down the gauntlet against the Goliath of search engines: Google. Let’s face it, Google has been lounging on that search throne longer than a cat in a sunbeam, but OpenAI is here to shake it up! They’re packing their bags, strapping in, and… wait for it… becoming the cool kid on the digital block.
Real-Time Search Functionality Built Right In
Search is now integrated directly into ChatGPT. The functionality can detect when you need to use live web data, saving you that exasperating moment when you ask for something current, and you end up with information from a history book. You can even trigger the search manually! It’s a bit like putting a five-year-old in charge of the candy bin—there’s going to be a lot of joyous rummaging.
This feature is currently for subscribers, but it’s rolling out to everyone soon. So, those free users? Get ready to share the spotlight! In essence, it’s like the ‘fancy restaurant’ version of ChatGPT, finally inviting those who just arrived to join in on the gourmet feast!
Factually Correct? Maybe Not ALL The Time!
Now, let’s be real, even with the bells and whistles, ChatGPT is still capable of the occasional ‘hallucination’. I mean, we’ve all had those days where we think we’re an expert, only to recommend eating rocks or gluing pizza. So, it’s normal for anyone, even tech giants, to serve up the occasional hot mess in the form of incorrect information. But, fear not! While it might not be a 100% fact machine, the majority of what it dishes out is at least close enough to not start a riot!
Who’s Providing the Data?
OpenAI has linked up with some heavy hitters in the data world like Bing, Hearst, and News Corp. They’re essentially creating a super team that will hopefully prevent our beloved AI buddy from getting lost in the depths of the internet, which is pretty much like allowing your pet goldfish to navigate a coral reef; it might look pretty, but it’s a recipe for disaster if they wander too far!
User Comfort – A Kinda Big Deal!
Here’s the twist: OpenAI claims they’re not focusing on ads, unlike certain other search engines we know. This is practically like offering us a big slice of cake with none of those annoying calorie counts on the side! ChatGPT is about to become the friendly search companion we all deserve—minus the incessant pop-up ads trying to sell us some dubious miracle cure.
As we dive deeper into this brave new world of AI-powered search, we can only hope that this will create some healthy competition. After years of being the only game in town, Google’s monopoly is set for a right shake-up!
So, What’s Next?
Are we on the brink of a search revolution? Can we finally search without encountering disturbing images from our cousin’s wedding? Will we see a future where Google must come up with more than just paid advertising to stay in the game? All eyes are on the future, and it feels like we’re about to embark on a foray into unexplored digital territory. So here’s to hoping this competition leads to answers that won’t cause me to want to put glue on my pizza, or demolish my carefully curated dinner plans!
Author Spotlights (because everyone deserves a clap on their back)
Adam Homola, tech enthusiast extraordinaire! You’ve got to admire someone with such dedication to understanding the magic behind tech and AI. Who knows—maybe you’re a wizard in disguise, eh Adam?
So, fasten your seatbelts and keep your minds open, because the digital world just got a whole lot more exciting!
- OpenAI has integrated real-time web search functionality into ChatGPT
- The organization behind one of the most transformative services of recent years is poised to challenge Google’s dominance
- ChatGPT’s search capabilities provide clear source listings and collaborate with a range of reputable publishers
OpenAI has officially announced its latest upgrade, culminating in a seamless transition of the earlier SearchGPT project directly into ChatGPT. This expansion introduces a robust real-time search feature that has significantly elevated ChatGPT’s competitive stance against Google, a tech giant that has long held a monopoly on online search.
A New Era of Search
Integrated organically within ChatGPT, the new search capability empowers users to tap into live web data during their chat interactions. This feature, named ChatGPT Search, currently serves paying subscribers, with plans for wider availability to free, business, and educational users in the upcoming weeks.
AI-driven search engines have begun to proliferate; for instance, platforms like Perplexity have garnered attention in recent months. However, few rival the user base and accessibility of ChatGPT. Now equipped with an AI-enhanced search engine, users can activate this functionality automatically, tailored to their queries or manually by simply clicking the globe icon.
By enabling direct searching through ChatGPT, OpenAI aims to overcome previous limitations by addressing the knowledge gap that persisted until 2021, and subsequently in 2023.
Is the Information Factually Accurate?
OpenAI is not pioneering this feature alone; Google has made strides with its AI Overviews, which have shown varying levels of effectiveness. Some outputs have been criticized for generating nonsensical advice, such as unconventional culinary tips. In contrast, the newly implemented search function within ChatGPT appears to handle such unusual inquiries adeptly, demonstrating the capacity to tackle a plethora of real, absurd, and offbeat questions. While not every answer was flawlessly accurate, the majority consistently leaned towards correctness.
Nevertheless, the integrity of ChatGPT’s language model remains critical, as it is still subject to occasional inaccuracies, commonly known as “hallucinations.” To bolster the efficacy of its search capabilities, OpenAI has established partnerships with data providers, including Bing, which previously facilitated searches for ChatGPT, along with prominent media organizations such as Hearst, Condé Nast, Axel Springer, and News Corp.
These strategic alliances are designed to ensure that users receive precise and timely information spanning various domains, including news updates, weather forecasts, financial news, and sports coverage. Additionally, ChatGPT ensures clarity by providing clearly cited and clickable sources, allowing users to easily access original content. This raises questions about the future of website traffic as users increasingly turn to ChatGPT for information.
A Focus on User Experience
Will OpenAI eventually monetize this innovative search tool? While the forecast suggests the possibility, the organization currently asserts that there are no immediate plans for incorporating advertising. This distinction offers a significant advantage in user experience over Google’s model, which heavily relies on advertising for revenue. The clarity of search results in ChatGPT allows users to focus on obtaining answers rather than navigating through a clutter of links, enhancing overall comfort during interactions.
The introduction of ChatGPT Search coincides with a rising collective interest in AI-powered search technologies, as rivals like Google and Meta continue to develop their AI functionalities. In the near future, it may become increasingly challenging to conduct searches without the influence of AI technologies.
Finally, progress is underway in the search landscape, indicating that Google may, for the first time in its long history, face legitimate competition—not from Bing but from the immensely popular ChatGPT. Meta is also reportedly solidifying plans for its own AI search engine, potentially leveraging its widespread services and applications. Additionally, the question remains whether Apple will eventually enter this arena, possibly compelled by regulatory pressures, leading to alternatives to Google’s search becoming the default on its devices. Ultimately, this competition stands to benefit users by offering tangible, relevant, and ambitious choices beyond the existing landscape dominated by Google.
Author of the article
Adam Homola
New technologies have fascinated me since an early age, fueling my longstanding interests in games and the gaming industry, while simultaneously expanding into hardware, software, internet services, and artificial intelligence since 2022.
Ganization has emphasized that ads will not dominate the user experience. Instead, OpenAI envisions ChatGPT as a user-friendly companion in the search process—think of it as your tech-savvy friend who knows where to find the best pizza place without trying to sell you on overpriced kitchen gadgets.
This refreshing focus on user experience could set a new standard in the world of search engines. Instead of bombarding users with ads, ChatGPT aims to curate relevant information and present it in an accessible manner, potentially shifting user expectations and experiences across the board. As competitors like Microsoft’s Bing and even others like DuckDuckGo make strides in their own AI developments, OpenAI’s commitment to a clean, ad-free environment could be a significant draw for users tired of traditional search engines’ monetization models.
with the new search integration and a spotlight on user comfort, the landscape of digital search is experiencing a shake-up that could redefine our interactions with information online. As these changes unfold, users may find themselves at the center of a new era in search, one that prioritizes helpfulness and clear communication over clunky advertisements and hidden costs.
As the competition intensifies, it remains to be seen how Google and other established players will respond. Will they innovate, or will their dominance remain unchallenged? All eyes are on this rapidly evolving space, and there’s no doubt that users stand to gain the most from this invigorated scene. After all, in a world where we demand information at the speed of thought, it’s about time that search technology caught up—and it seems like OpenAI may just be leading the pack.
So, as we embrace these advancements, let’s remain curious and vigilant, ready to explore this new digital frontier without the fear of accidental culinary disasters or disillusioning misinformation. The future of search is certainly looking brighter and more entertaining, and we’re here for it!
