OpenAI launches ChatGPT search for paid users, a competition for Google
OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT search, a direct competitor to Google, marking a significant milestone for the company. Following the release of its initial version called SearchGPT, the ChatGPT model is now capable of providing real-time answers efficiently. Users are promised quick and pertinent responses, complete with relevant web links, eliminating the need to use traditional search engines.
Enhanced Search Capabilities
According to OpenAI, ChatGPT search combines the advantages of a natural language interface with the availability of current information like sports scores, news updates, stock prices, and more. The platform selects search results based on user queries, or users can manually initiate a search by clicking the web search icon. Initially, this feature is accessible to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, with SearchGPT waitlisted users gaining access immediately. Enterprise and Edu users will follow suit in the coming weeks, while Free users can expect access in the months ahead.
Real-time Information Retrieval
Powered by an upgraded iteration of OpenAI's GPT-4 model, ChatGPT Search offers real-time data and images sourced from the web, including sports scores, news updates, and stock prices. Furthermore, the platform provides links to reliable sources, facilitating further exploration. Users have the option to ask follow-up questions to refine their searches, enhancing the search experience.
Continuous Improvement
Prior to this update, ChatGPT's knowledge was limited by a cutoff date between 2021 and 2023, depending on the model version in use. OpenAI's spokesperson, Niko Felix, highlighted the company's commitment to updating training data regularly to ensure users have access to the most recent information. The search model, an optimised version of GPT-4o, has undergone additional training using innovative synthetic data generation methods, including output distillation from OpenAI’s o1-preview.
Information Integration
ChatGPT Search integrates data from third-party search engines and content from partnered providers to deliver comprehensive search results. Responses feature in-text and sidebar citations from news outlets and data providers, offering users a well-rounded view of the information. For instance, a search on weekend activities in San Francisco may include summaries from local news sites and curated lists of nearby restaurants, enhancing user experience.
Future Developments
OpenAI has outlined plans to further enhance its search capabilities, particularly in shopping and travel sectors, by leveraging its o1 "reasoning" models for more in-depth research. The company aims to expand ChatGPT Search to its Advanced Voice Mode and extend access to non-logged-in users. CEO Sam Altman has expressed optimism about the tool's potential, emphasizing its quality and utility.
