OpenAI, renowned for its success in the generative AI sector, has announced the launch of SearchGPT, an AI-based search engine set to compete with Google. This new platform promises to deliver “quick, relevant, and organized” responses by accessing real-time information on the web. With this move, OpenAI aims to revolutionize how users interact with online content by providing an accurate and structured summary of information.
Prototype Phase with Selected Users
Currently, SearchGPT is accessible only to a limited group of 10,000 test users. This prototype phase will allow OpenAI to gather valuable feedback to further enhance the platform. The company has stated that integrating SearchGPT’s features into ChatGPT is one of the future goals. Interested users can join a waitlist to experience this new technology.
Collaboration with Publishers
OpenAI has collaborated with major publishers such as The Wall Street Journal and Vox Media to develop SearchGPT. The platform is designed to facilitate connections between users and publishers by ensuring clear citations and links in responses. Publishers will have the ability to manage how their content appears in search features, maintaining control over the visibility of their publications.
Visual Responses and Technological Innovations
One of the distinguishing features of SearchGPT is its ability to offer “visual responses,” which may include AI-generated content like images and videos. This innovative feature aims to enhance the user experience by providing more engaging and immediate information. Additionally, OpenAI has emphasized that SearchGPT is separate from the training of generative AI models, allowing publishers to choose whether to participate.
Direct Competition with Google
The introduction of SearchGPT poses a significant threat to Google, which currently holds about 90% of the global online search market. The Mountain View company is accelerating the integration of AI features into its search engine to maintain its leadership. However, SearchGPT places OpenAI in direct competition with other AI search engines like Perplexity, marking the beginning of a new era in online search.
Future Challenges and Monetization Model
Despite the excitement surrounding the launch of SearchGPT, OpenAI faces significant challenges, including managing the costs of AI training and inference. Although the platform is free in the initial phase, the lack of advertising suggests that OpenAI will need to soon develop a sustainable monetization model to cover operational costs and continue innovating.