Highlights
- OpenAI launched an AI-powered search engine – ChatGPT Search.
- It provides fast answers with links to web sources, images and real-time updates.
- The search function uses a conversational interface and includes citations
- It will be initially available to SearchGPT waitlist, ChatGPT Plus and Team users.
- Wider access will roll out over time.
OpenAI has officially launched its new AI-powered search engine called ChatGPT Search. Introduced in a blog post, OpenAI shared details of the new way and “much better way” of search that provides “fast, timely answers with links to relevant web sources.”
ChatGPT Search is now available and designed to answer search queries by providing links to web sources, images and more. The search function works through a conversational and natural language interface.
As OpenAI describes it: “ChatGPT can now search the web in a much better way than before. You can get fast, timely answers with links to relevant web sources, which you would have previously needed to go to a search engine for. This blends the benefits of a natural language interface with the value of up-to-date sports scores, news, stock quotes and more.”
The ChatGPT Search experience includes a list of citations displayed along the right side of the screen, with web links showing exactly where each piece of information is sourced.
Users who were earlier on the “SearchGPT” waitlist along with the ChatGPT Plus and Team users will get first access. Moreover, Enterprise and Edu subscribers can expect to gain access in the next few weeks, while free users will have broader access over the coming months.
ChatGPT Search will be available on the web, desktop and mobile apps.
Quoted in the announcement were some industry experts who noted the changing times in the web search landscape.
Pam Wasserstein, President of Vox Media, said, “ChatGPT search promises to better highlight and attribute information from trustworthy news sources, benefiting audiences while expanding the reach of publishers like ourselves who produce premium journalism.”
The CEO & Publisher of Le Monde, Louis Dreyfus said, “We are convinced that AI search will be, in a near future and for the next generations, a primary way to access information, and partnering with OpenAI positions Le Monde at the forefront of this shift. It allows us to test innovations at an early stage while safeguarding journalism’s core values and integrity.”
Moreover, noting Axel Springer’s partnership with OpenAI, SVP Global Strategic Partnerships Axel Springer SE, Mathias Sanchez mentioned, “As AI reshapes the media landscape, Axel Springer’s partnership with OpenAI opens up tremendous opportunities for innovative advancements. Together, we’re driving new business models that ensure journalism remains both trustworthy and profitable.”
Apart from the general information and web links, ChatGPT Search will provide real-time weather updates (powered by AccuWeather), stock data, sports scores, news and maps.
OpenAI notes that its news content comes after the company “collaborated extensively with the news industry and carefully listened to feedback.”
This announcement comes as reports suggest OpenAI is planning to launch its next major model update in December.
FAQs
Q1: What is ChatGPT Search and how does it work?
Answer. ChatGPT Search is OpenAI’s new AI-powered search engine designed to answer search queries with links to web sources, images, and more, using a conversational and natural language interface.
Q2. Who gets first access to ChatGPT Search?
Answer. Users who were earlier on the “SearchGPT” waitlist along with the ChatGPT Plus and Team users will get first access. Enterprise and Edu subscribers can expect access in the next few weeks, with broader access for free users over the coming months.
Q3. What kind of real-time updates does ChatGPT Search provide?
Answer. ChatGPT Search will provide real-time weather updates (powered by AccuWeather), stock data, sports scores, news, and maps, including content that comes after extensive collaboration with the news industry.
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