OpenAI has unveiled a powerful new search feature within ChatGPT, its widely popular chatbot, as the company moves to compete directly with search giants like Google, Microsoft’s Bing, and Perplexity. This new addition, known as SearchGPT, has been designed to offer real-time information on sports scores, stock prices, news, weather, and more, making it a formidable tool in the evolving AI-powered search landscape.
Since launching ChatGPT in 2022, OpenAI has spurred debates about its potential to disrupt the search market, especially among Alphabet investors, who worry that ChatGPT's conversational, AI-driven responses may carve out a portion of Google’s market share. While Alphabet’s stock dipped slightly following OpenAI’s announcement, the long-term implications of this new tool are expected to unfold over time.
The launch of SearchGPT also hints at an intriguing relationship shift between OpenAI and its investor Microsoft, whose search tool Bing and AI-powered assistant Copilot now face fresh competition. Microsoft has invested nearly $14 billion in OpenAI, yet SearchGPT adds a new dimension to their alliance as both companies push into the AI space.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been vocal about his excitement for this new feature, calling search his “favorite feature we have launched” since ChatGPT's debut. Altman’s enthusiasm for ChatGPT’s search ability stems from its conversational interface, allowing users to ask questions naturally and engage in follow-ups—a dynamic Altman believes will be particularly useful for research-intensive queries. OpenAI’s team refined the search feature based on feedback from its initial beta testing phase, ensuring a streamlined, intuitive experience for users.
The new ChatGPT search function, accessible via a web search icon within the chatbot, gives users the ability to explore real-time information while linking out to source articles and blog posts for deeper dives. OpenAI collaborated with a host of major news providers, including The Associated Press, Reuters, and Condé Nast, to strengthen the accuracy and depth of its search results.
As of this launch, ChatGPT search is available to all ChatGPT Plus and Team users, with a wider rollout planned for Enterprise, Edu, and free users over the coming months. This launch follows a wave of investment in OpenAI, valued at $157 billion after securing $6.6 billion in funding earlier this month. The company, with liquidity of over $10 billion, has projected significant operating costs this year amid rapid expansion efforts.
Despite its technological achievements, OpenAI has faced some internal challenges, including executive departures and concerns over its shift toward a for-profit structure. Former safety team lead Jan Leike, who resigned recently, expressed concerns over the company's prioritization of product launches over safety protocols. Nonetheless, OpenAI’s ambitious drive continues as it seeks to redefine how users engage with digital information.
With SearchGPT, OpenAI is setting the stage for a new era in AI-driven search, bringing consumers closer to dynamic, interactive ways of finding information online while challenging industry giants. This shift could significantly impact how people discover and engage with information on a daily basis, placing OpenAI at the heart of the conversation about the future of search.
