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On Thursday, July 25, OpenAI introduced SearchGPT, aiming to transform the eCommerce landscape with AI-driven product discovery and comparison.

This prototype is a limited version for a select test group of 10,000 users. It offers more accurate and relevant results than traditional search engines. Unlike Google’s extensive list of links, SearchGPT provides summaries with source links. This update has the potential to change the way consumers search for and purchase products online.

OpenAI refers to SearchGPT as “a temporary prototype of new search features, leveraging our AI models to provide quick answers with clear and relevant sources.”

SearchGPT resembles its previous functionality introduced with GPT-4, known as “browse mode.” Browse mode uses Bing or Google to look up information and display it to you.

Alex Moran, SEO lead at the marketing agency Space & Time, mentioned that while the initial search fundamentals remain similar, SearchGPT’s true strength lies in its follow-up capabilities, which significantly enhance its functionality.

OpenAI’s new product directly targets what Google has aimed for over the years. By facilitating the entire user journey on the platform, it competes with Google’s gradual introduction of features like snippets and direct booking options for hotels and restaurants.

ChatGPT and Google: AI-Driven Search Engine Race

The launch of OpenAI’s SearchGPT aligns with a growing trend in the industry towards AI-powered search capabilities. However, OpenAI is among several companies utilising AI for search.

On Wednesday, July 24, Microsoft introduced a test feature for its Bing search engine called “Bing generative search,” which uses AI to summarise search results. Google’s earlier attempt at AI-generated summaries faced setbacks due to misinformation issues.

Back in November, Google disclosed that they have been incorporating AI into search since 2001. The company’s focus on AI increased significantly in 2017 with the creation of its Google AI division. They mainly dedicated the process to developing large language models and using Google’s extensive search data.

SearchGPT’s innovation relies on its advanced natural language processing capabilities.

A data scientist at Aimprosoft, Dmytro Shevchenko, explained that the technology enables the search engine to grasp the subtleties, context, and intent behind user queries. For instance, a user could ask for quick dinner recipes. In response, SearchGPT will discern the need for a swift and easy meal, suggesting a convenient pasta recipe that cooks in 20 minutes. This leads to more detailed and relevant responses aligned with user intent.

SearchGPT’s conversational approach differentiates it from traditional keyword-based search engines. It creates the illusion of an engaging dialogue with an intelligent assistant, making searches more intuitive and practical. As it interacts with users, SearchGPT refines its responses based on behaviour and preferences.

OpenAI Challenges Google’s Dominance

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s co-founder and CEO, positions ChatGPT’s extension as a direct competitor to Google’s long-standing search market dominance. He has recently indicated a possible shift in how users access information online.

These ChatGPT news are no surprise: The latest introduction of SearchGPT has disrupted the search engine market. The update’s release caused Alphabet, Google’s parent company, to go down by 3% in share prices.

Besides, OpenAI has recently revealed partnerships with The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, and Vox Media. The partnership aims to manage content flow and ensure correct attribution. Publishers can also opt out of contributing their content to train OpenAI’s models. All while still having their material appear in search results.

With this newest update, ChatGPT has revolutionised work practices by significantly impacting various professional areas, boosting both productivity and creativity. It streamlines routine tasks, assists in content creation, and provides access to a wealth of publicly available information.

At the moment, SearchGPT is still in the prototype phase and utilises the newest GPT-4 models. However, later this year, OpenAI intends to directly plug in SearchGPT’s features into ChatGPT, rather than keeping it as a separate product. This collision is going to make the search process much more efficient.

As OpenAI develops SearchGPT, the tech industry observes with great interest. The competition for the future of search and eCommerce intensifies, with billions of dollars and the digital marketplace at stake.

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