OpenAI Adds Search to ChatGPT, Challenging Google
OpenAI has announced a significant upgrade to ChatGPT, allowing the AI chatbot to search the web and summarize findings, The Washington Post revealed yesterday. This new functionality positions ChatGPT as a direct competitor to Google, offering users an alternative method for information retrieval.
Beginning October 31, paid subscribers can activate a mode where ChatGPT responds to queries with real-time search results, powered by Microsoft Bing and articles from partnered publishers like News Corp and the Associated Press. The AI-generated responses will include citations and links to sources, enhancing transparency.
This overhaul aims to improve relevance and accuracy, reducing misinformation. OpenAI’s Varun Shetty emphasized that the feature could reshape online economics, as users may find information directly without visiting publisher websites, raising concerns among media outlets about potential traffic loss.
Initially available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, OpenAI plans to extend this feature to free users in the future, marking a pivotal shift in how information is accessed online.
