open AI has announced a new AI search

OpenAI has officially entered the search market with the launch of SearchGPT, an innovative AI-powered search engine designed to provide real-time information across the internet. Unlike traditional search engines that offer a list of links, SearchGPT aims to organize and interpret information, delivering more contextually rich and accessible results.

A New Approach to Search

At the heart of SearchGPT is a large text box prompting users with the question, “What are you looking for?” Upon entering a query, instead of merely presenting a list of links, the search engine synthesizes the data into summaries. For instance, if a user searches for "music festivals," SearchGPT provides an overview of various events, followed by concise descriptions and source links.

In another demonstration, the engine details the best times to plant tomatoes, including information on different tomato varieties. After the primary results are shown, users have the option to ask follow-up questions or explore additional relevant links via a sidebar. One intriguing feature is "visual answers," though details on its functionality remain unclear as OpenAI has yet to elaborate.

Early Access and Future Plans

Currently, SearchGPT is described as a "prototype" and will be accessible only to 10,000 test users. This initial rollout is powered by the GPT-4 family of models. According to OpenAI spokesperson Kayla Wood, the company collaborates with third-party partners and utilizes direct content feeds to compile search results. The long-term vision is to integrate these search capabilities directly into ChatGPT.

The launch of SearchGPT represents a significant challenge to existing search giants like Google, which has been rapidly incorporating AI features into its services to stay competitive. It also puts OpenAI in direct competition with startups like Perplexity, known for its AI-driven summaries.

Transparency and Collaboration

A notable aspect of SearchGPT is its commitment to transparency and collaboration with publishers. In a blog post, OpenAI emphasized that the development of SearchGPT involved feedback from news partners, including The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, and Vox Media. This collaboration aims to ensure responsible use of content and proper attribution.

Publishers have the option to manage their presence in OpenAI's search features, including the ability to opt out of using their content for training AI models while still appearing in search results. OpenAI assures that all responses in SearchGPT include clear, in-line attributions and links, enabling users to trace information back to its source.

A Prototype with Potential

Labeling SearchGPT as a prototype allows OpenAI some flexibility. Should the search results be inaccurate or controversial—similar to past AI mishaps like Google's suggestion to put glue on pizza—the company can attribute these issues to the prototype stage. This approach also helps mitigate potential concerns about misattributions or content misuse, a criticism faced by competitors like Perplexity.

The development of SearchGPT has been anticipated for months, with initial reports surfacing in February and further details emerging in May. OpenAI has been actively recruiting talent from Google to build its search team, and observant users have noted the company's work on a new website hinting at this launch.

As OpenAI continues to enhance ChatGPT's capabilities with real-time web access, exemplified by features like Browse with Bing, the company faces significant financial challenges. Recent reports suggest that the costs of AI training and inference could reach $7 billion this year. With SearchGPT currently free and ad-free, monetization strategies remain a future consideration for the company.

This article covers the key aspects of OpenAI's new SearchGPT, detailing its features, collaborative approach, and the context within the broader search engine landscape.