OpenAI is rolling out its ChatGPT web search tool to all users, starting with those paying $20 a month for ChatGPT Plus. The new feature uses the familiar ChatGPT interface but scours the web for relevant and timely information before summarizing it in a coherent response.
The key difference between this and Google’s search engine is that ChatGPT’s answers come from the web, not its training data, providing a more streamlined experience. Users can type queries they’d normally plug into Google, such as sports scores or weather forecasts, and receive answers in a conversation-style interface with source links.
However, concerns about AI hallucinations, power demands, and bias remain. ChatGPT checks the web proactively to reduce inaccuracies, but it’s still essential to double-check information against trusted sources. The tool has partnered with info providers for various topics, including weather, sports, news, and maps.
OpenAI aims to avoid Google’s AI integration mistakes by including source links alongside answers and a “Sources” button to verify the trustworthiness of referenced sites. Users can install a browser extension to replace Google in their browser, allowing web searches to launch directly from the address bar.
In testing, ChatGPT web search showed promising results, providing reliable information and linking back to sources for music, sports, food, and DIY queries. When asked about putting glue on pizza, it accurately stated that it wasn’t safe, referencing Google’s earlier mistake.
Overall, ChatGPT’s web search offers a superior experience with its ability to scour the web for accurate and timely information, making it an attractive alternative to traditional search engines.
Source: https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-chatgpt-search-works