OpenAI has improved the capabilities of its popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT, by including additional search algorithms into the model.
This move, announced on Thursday, presents OpenAI as a significant rival in the search market, which has long been dominated by digital behemoths like Google.
It will compete with Microsoft’s Bing and develop platforms like Perplexity, an AI search service sponsored by Jeff Bezos and Nvidia.
The new functionality enables ChatGPT to search the web and deliver current, relevant replies, including connections to external sources.
According to OpenAI, the model will determine when to search based on user prompts, using data from third-party search providers and content from established partners.
“ChatGPT search leverages third-party search providers, as well as content provided directly by our partners, to provide the information users are looking for,” OpenAI explained in a blog post.
- The search function is integrated into a fine-tuned version of GPT-4 and is available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users starting Thursday.
- OpenAI plans to roll out the feature to enterprise and educational customers in the coming weeks and to free users gradually over the next few months.
Collaborations with major publishers
The AI company has struck several content deals with major media organizations, including Condé Nast, Time Magazine, the Financial Times, Axel Springer (owner of Business Insider), France’s Le Monde, and Spain’s Prisa Media.
- OpenAI emphasized that it has worked closely with these publishers to gather feedback on the search feature. Additionally, any website or publisher can opt to be included in ChatGPT search results.
- This latest development follows OpenAI’s selective launch of a prototype called SearchGPT in July, which had real-time internet access capabilities.
- As OpenAI ventures deeper into the search market, it will compete directly with Google’s established dominance and Microsoft’s investments in Bing, as well as innovative new players in the AI search space.
