OpenAI's newly launched AI search engine SearchGPT supports real-time information access and features "visual answers".
"We are testing SearchGPT, a prototype of a new AI search feature that provides fast and timely answers with relevant, clear sources," OpenAI introduced its search engine on July 25.
SearchGPT has a large chat interface that asks users "What are you looking for?" Instead of returning a series of related links like Google or traditional search engines, SearchGPT uses AI to organize and understand content before responding to users.
In OpenAI's demonstrations, SearchGPT can summarize music events found on the Internet, then give a short description of the event, and then show links to websites. In another example, the tool explains when to plant tomatoes before analyzing different varieties. After the results appear, users can ask further questions or click on links to open websites.
SearchGPT also has a feature called "visual answers." However, OpenAI has not yet officially described this feature.
The biggest difference between SearchGPT and Google Search is the core technology. OpenAI uses the GPT-4 large language model, while Google provides search results based on its website ranking algorithm and machine learning technology. SearchGPT provides a chatty, interactive interface. Google Search uses a traditional interface with a list of links.
However, SearchGPT also has some limitations. First, search results and quality still depend on trained and updated data. Therefore, information about new events or knowledge may not be as accurate as Google Search. Google also has the advantage of providing detailed search results, especially in specialized fields that require high accuracy. Google is also showing more diverse content, from images, videos, maps to news in the results, while SearchGPT still focuses mainly on text.
The Verge quoted OpenAI spokesperson Kayla Wood as saying that their search engine is in “prototype” and is powered by the GPT-4 model. The company is only opening SearchGPT to the first 10,000 people to try it out. Wood said OpenAI is working with partners and using live content feeds to build its search results. The goal is to integrate this search feature into ChatGPT.
Analysts say SearchGPT could become a major threat to Google. Previously, the world’s largest search service company rushed to integrate AI features into its search engine because of concerns that users would switch to competitors. Startup Perplexity also launched an AI “answer” feature but is being criticized for copying content producers.
To avoid similar trouble, OpenAI said it is taking a different approach. In the blog post, the company noted that SearchGPT was developed in collaboration with a variety of news partners, including the owners of the WSJ, AP, and The Verge.
The Information first reported on Search GPT in February. Bloomberg began to provide more details in May. The Verge reported that OpenAI had tried to poach several Google employees to develop the search engine.