OpenAI has entered the online search market with the launch of its new prototype search engine, SearchGPT. This initiative aims to leverage artificial intelligence and real-time internet access to provide users with a more intuitive searching experience.
Unlike traditional search engines, SearchGPT promises not merely to return a list of links but to summarize, organize, and contextualize findings in a more user-friendly way.
Functionality and Features
At its core, SearchGPT employs advanced generative AI technologies to deliver succinct answers, accompanied by direct links to reliable sources.
For example, users querying about upcoming music festivals would receive a summary of events along with brief descriptions and source attributions.
“fast and timely answers with clear and relevant sources.” OpenAI asserts that the functionality allows users to engage in follow-up questions seamlessly.
Visual answers are also included in this prototype, although precise details on how this feature operates have yet to be clarified.
Currently, SearchGPT is in a testing phase, accessible to approximately 10,000 selected users who are providing feedback to OpenAI. OpenAI is aggressively collaborating with third-party organizations to refine search results and ensure quality responses.
Potential Threats for Google and Competitors
The introduction of SearchGPT poses a significant challenge to Google, a dominant player in the online search field. Analysts believe that OpenAI's innovative approach may attract users seeking a more efficient method of finding information online.
Previous endeavors, including those from startups like Perplexity, have faced criticism regarding the legal and ethical concerns of their content use. OpenAI's focus on integrating publisher feedback and ensuring clear attribution positions SearchGPT as a potentially more responsible competitor.
Industry Reaction and Stock Market Response
The announcement has stirred a notable reaction across the tech industry, particularly among investors in Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company. Following the unveiling of SearchGPT, Alphabet's shares experienced a dip of over 3%.
Addressing Copyright and Publisher Concerns
OpenAI has sought to reassure both users and publishers by publicly announcing their content utilization within SearchGPT. The company stresses that it intends to promote transparency in referencing sources and allows publishers to manage how their content appears in search results.
Despite OpenAI's assurances, tensions remain high regarding copyright issues. Several media outlets have raised legal objections in recent months, claiming that OpenAI's practices infringe upon their intellectual property rights.