OpenAI Tests Prototype of New AI Search Tool
OpenAI announced on Thursday that it will begin testing a prototype of a new AI search tool called SearchGPT. This marks the next phase in the rapid AI transformation of the search industry.
Why it matters
Tech leaders believe traditional search engines will be replaced by ChatGPT-style conversational interfaces as the primary way to gather information online. However, most AI chatbots today struggle with staying updated, ensuring accuracy, and crediting sources.
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The Big Picture
Google and Microsoft, the major players in traditional search, are already integrating generative AI into their search engines, with mixed results. Microsoft recently began testing a new version of Bing’s “generative search experience,” which creates custom responses to user queries.
OpenAI’s SearchGPT aims to address these issues by citing and linking to sources and allowing users to refine their questions through ongoing dialogue. OpenAI promises that SearchGPT will directly answer questions with up-to-date information from the web. It will provide clear links to relevant sources. In addition, users will also be able to ask follow-up questions in a conversational manner.
How it works
OpenAI has a waitlist for users to request access to SearchGPT, which will operate separately from other OpenAI services like ChatGPT for now. OpenAI described SearchGPT as a “temporary prototype” and plans to integrate the best features into ChatGPT in the future.
The company is partnering with publishers to ensure the new tool prominently cites and links to them. Content providers can feature their material through SearchGPT without using it to train OpenAI’s AI models.
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Zoom out
OpenAI and its rivals are betting that users prefer to ask questions and get direct answers rather than sifting through search results. This approach works well for simple queries (“What time is the Super Bowl?”). In contrast, AI search summaries have struggled with complex topics and controversies.
Follow the Money
Currently, much of the web’s information is behind paywalls or filled with ads. Chatbot search answers are free from these distractions, but this may change as AI companies look for ways to monetize their technology.
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What’s Next
Google’s AI-driven search summaries had a rough beginning, and the industry is keenly observing whether OpenAI’s approach will deliver better results. The effectiveness of SearchGPT will be closely monitored.
Source: OpenAI starts testing prototype of new AI search tool
