OpenAI, the developer behind the popular chatbot ChatGPT, is said to be developing a search feature that could change how we search. If implemented, this feature has the potential to turn ChatGPT into a genuine competitor to Google Search and might give tough competition to Microsoft’s Copilot or AI search startup Perplexity.
According to the latest Bloomberg report, OpenAI is working on a feature that would allow ChatGPT to crawl the web to find answers to user queries. This means users would get authentic results from various online sources with citations.
ChatGPT to Move Beyond Words
Furthermore, OpenAI does not plan to stop at just online search results. The report also states that the company is working on an experimental feature that could show visual explanations and written descriptions.
This could be particularly helpful for tasks that require a clear demonstration, like “how to change a tyre” or “how to knot a tie”. Where visual illustration plays a more crucial role than the written process.
While paying users of ChatGPT already have limited access to search capabilities, this system has flaws. Bloomberg notes that these searches can sometimes deliver inaccurate responses or citations.
AI Search on the Rise: OpenAI Joining the Race
We all know that AI is the thing of 2024, and almost every tech company, whether a startup or a giant, is racing to ace this game. AI-powered search engines have become the fan favourite in the world of AI.
There’s Google with its Gemini, Microsoft Copilot and finally, Perplexity, an AI search engine startup that recently gained popularity thanks to its $1 billion valuation. All of these offer AI-powered search results, which are more advanced than what ChatGPT is currently offering.
As a result, OpenAI is under pressure to enhance its capabilities and offer more advanced search capabilities to stay in the race. However, this is not the first time we have heard about ChatGPT’s online search feature. Earlier this month, there were rumours floating on the internet about a new OpenAI subdomain, ‘search.chatgpt.com,‘ which redirected to the main ChatGPT page. Currently, the page is showing a ‘Not Found’ error.
When is This Feature Arriving?
Currently, OpenAI has not revealed any details about this upcoming search feature. However, it is expected to arrive soon.
