SearchGPT: OpenAI intensified its efforts to compete with Google by launching the ChatGPT search engine to rival Google’s Gemini-powered search technology. Beginning that day, OpenAI officially rolled out ChatGPT’s search functionality.

The new feature generated timely responses with relevant links, mirroring Google Search and potentially escalating competition. 

• According to OpenAI representatives, the ChatGPT search engine had the potential to deliver more accurate and useful information to all ChatGPT users.
  

SearchGPT

OpenAI began testing SearchGPT in July 2024, initially offering it to users who signed up for early access.

• Based on user feedback, the latest stable version has been refined for enhanced efficiency. 
• OpenAI plans to integrate SearchGPT into projects like Canvas and Advanced Voice, aiming to make it accessible to both free and logged-out users shortly.

OpenAI has opted to integrate web search directly into ChatGPT’s existing interface, rather than launching it as a standalone product. 

• This feature intelligently determines when to pull in web results based on the user’s query, though users can also trigger searches manually. 
• With this addition, ChatGPT now closes a significant competitive gap with rivals like Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini, both of which already offer real-time internet access in their AI interactions.

Latest Release

The web search feature will roll out across all ChatGPT platforms: iOS, Android, and desktop apps for macOS and Windows. 

• Built with a blend of search technologies, including Microsoft’s Bing, the system leverages a fine-tuned version of GPT-4, according to Fry. 
• Initially released as a prototype named SearchGPT to 10,000 test users in July, this feature builds on OpenAI’s ongoing efforts to enhance real-time search capabilities, including hiring former Google talent to strengthen its search team.

Previously, ChatGPT’s knowledge was limited to data with cutoffs between 2021 and 2023, depending on the model. 

• While live search now provides real-time data, OpenAI spokesperson Niko Felix clarified that the company will continue updating its training data independently to ensure users benefit from the latest advancements, with this training process distinct from the live search integration.

Launch of SearchGPT

• The launch of ChatGPT’s search engine arrives as AI-powered search intensifies across tech giants. Meta is reportedly building its own AI search platform, while Google has recently expanded its AI overview feature to over 100 countries. 

• Although the release coincided with Alphabet’s quarterly earnings report, where Q3 search revenue hit $49.4 billion, ChatGPT’s search lead, Adam Fry, emphasized that the launch timing was independently planned.
• One major advantage ChatGPT offers over Google Search is its ad-free experience, with no promoted queries cluttering results. 
• While Google relies heavily on advertising revenue, Fry stated there are “no plans” to introduce ads in ChatGPT. However, AI-driven search is more costly than traditional search, and OpenAI is still evaluating how to support free users financially. According to spokesperson Niko Felix, free users will have “some limits” on their access to the latest search models.

• OpenAI has built a network of media partnerships, including with Hearst, Condé Nast, Axel Springer, and News Corp. Although these partners gain some control over how their content appears in ChatGPT, they won’t receive priority in search results by default.
• On the topic of factual accuracy, Fry expressed confidence in ChatGPT’s search model, noting its potential to “increase factual accuracy overall,” distinguishing it from earlier AI mishaps, like Google’s AI suggesting users apply glue to pizza.

SearchGPT Partners

• OpenAI has enhanced ChatGPT by integrating a search feature that provides users with direct links to sources such as articles and blog posts. 
• By clicking the “Sources” button below a response, users can open a sidebar displaying these references. 
• This development is the result of collaborations with various news organizations, including The Associated Press, Reuters, Axel Springer, Condé Nast, Hearst, Dotdash Meredith, the Financial Times, News Corp., Le Monde, The Atlantic, Time, and Vox Media

Conclusion

As of Thursday, ChatGPT’s search functionality is available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, as well as those on the SearchGPT waitlist. OpenAI plans to extend access to ChatGPT Enterprise and Edu users in the coming weeks, with a broader rollout to free version users anticipated over the next few months.