OpenAI’s AI-powered search engine, ChatGPT, has launched a real-time web search feature for paid subscribers, while free users will gain access in the coming weeks. The new functionality allows users to tap into the internet in their conversations and receives updates automatically. Users can also manually trigger web searches.
ChatGPT’s web search is integrated into its existing interface, providing users with an interactive experience. The search determines when to fetch results from the web based on queries, but users can also ask follow-up questions to refine the results. The new feature closes a key competitive gap with rivals like Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini.
The company used a mix of search technologies, including Microsoft’s Bing, to build this functionality. ChatGPT’s underlying search model is a fine-tuned version of GPT-4o, originally released as SearchGPT in July for 10,000 test users.
Before the update, ChatGPT’s knowledge was limited to data between 2021 and 2023. Even with live search active, OpenAI will continue to refresh its training data to ensure users have access to the latest advancements.
However, this launch coincides with Alphabet’s earnings announcement on Tuesday, which revealed $49.4 billion in Q3 search revenue. This raises questions about how OpenAI will finance real-time web search for free users and potential advertising plans.
A recent lawsuit highlights concerns over AI-powered search services. News Corp and The New York Times have filed suits against Perplexity and OpenAI, respectively. However, OpenAI maintains that it is working closely with media partners to ensure responsible use of content.
ChatGPT’s new web search feature aims to increase factual accuracy, particularly in high-stakes contexts like the US presidential election. With this tool, users can access authoritative sources for election information, and OpenAI will prioritize transparency if any mistakes occur.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/31/24283906/openai-chatgpt-live-web-search-searchgpt