OpenAI has introduced a new search function within its ChatGPT platform, stepping into a space traditionally dominated by search giants like Google. This move also places OpenAI in direct competition with Microsoft’s Bing, as well as new AI-powered search services like Perplexity, a chatbot backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Nvidia.
The search tool, integrated directly into ChatGPT, offers users timely and relevant responses, drawing from third-party search providers and OpenAI’s publishing partners. OpenAI claims this feature will answer user queries by fetching information from reliable sources, linking directly to these sources for users’ convenience. This enhancement to ChatGPT was launched on Thursday for subscribers of the ChatGPT Plus and Team plans, with Enterprise and educational customers gaining access in the following weeks. Free users can expect the feature to become available in the coming months.
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has forged partnerships with renowned publishers this year, including Condé Nast, Time magazine, Axel Springer, France’s Le Monde, and Spain’s Prisa Media. OpenAI has gathered feedback from these partners to refine the new search function, allowing publishers to choose their participation in ChatGPT search.
In July, OpenAI tested its search capabilities with a prototype, SearchGPT, which brought real-time web access. Furthermore, a recent funding round in October raised $6.6 billion, valuing OpenAI at a staggering $157 billion, making it one of the most valuable private companies globally.
