ChatGPT goes after Google in online shopping - SiliconANGLE
OpenAI is challenging Google LLC with updates to ChatGPT’s search capabilities, introducing a new shopping experience that provides product recommendations and direct purchase links. The newly introduced shopping features in ChatGPT will allow users to search for products and buy them by clicking on a link that redirects them to a merchant's website. These updates are available to all users, whether signed in or not.
New Shopping Experience Resembles Google Shopping
The shopping experience in ChatGPT closely mirrors that of Google Shopping. When a user clicks on a product image, multiple retailer links such as Amazon.com Inc. and Walmart Inc. are displayed, along with prices. By clicking on the link, users can complete the purchase directly from the retailer's platform.
OpenAI's search product lead, Adam Fry, shared that the company is currently exploring various product categories like beauty products, electronics, home goods, and fashion items. The product reviews displayed in ChatGPT's results are sourced from multiple online platforms, including buying guide publishers, e-commerce sites, and forums like Reddit. Users can specify a preferred review source to refine their search results.
No Sponsored Products, Yet
Despite the similarities to Google Shopping, ChatGPT does not display sponsored product recommendations at this time. According to TechCrunch, OpenAI does not generate direct revenue from sales facilitated by ChatGPT. However, this model may impact the earnings of third-party affiliates, as users might make purchase decisions based on ChatGPT's reviews without visiting the original website.
When asked about compensating affiliates, Fry mentioned that OpenAI is exploring different approaches but did not provide specifics. The company's current focus is on refining its product recommendations rather than monetization strategies.
Future Expansion and Features
In addition to the shopping upgrades, ChatGPT now showcases a list of "top trending searches" initiated by users. A new auto-complete feature, similar to Google's, suggests queries to streamline the search process.
OpenAI's commitment to challenging Google in web search is evident through the continuous enhancements to ChatGPT. The introduction of web search capabilities in October and the recent Operator tool further assert OpenAI's ambitions in the search engine domain.
As OpenAI continues to innovate and refine ChatGPT's functionalities, the competition between OpenAI and Google in the online shopping landscape is poised to intensify.
