OpenAI has announced a web search functionality for its ChatGPT conversational AI. The new feature, initially rolling out to paid subscribers, allows ChatGPT to search the web and provide real-time information on topics such as news, sports, stocks, and weather. By delivering curated answers with clear source attribution, ChatGPT aims to provide a more natural and efficient way for users to find information online.
The search capabilities are powered by a fine-tuned version of GPT-4o, OpenAI’s most advanced language model. The company has partnered with major news publishers, including the Associated Press, Axel Springer, and Vox Media, to provide high-quality content while addressing concerns about the use of publishers’ work in AI systems. Users can click through to original sources or ask follow-up questions to further explore topics.
As OpenAI continues to invest heavily in its own technological infrastructure, including custom AI chips and data centers, the addition of search functionality to ChatGPT marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to compete with established search engines like Google. While Google remains the dominant force in search, the growing adoption of conversational AI and the potential for improved user experiences through natural language processing may lead to a significant shift in how people find information online.
Sources: Bloomberg, The Verge, Fast Company, Washington Post, VentureBeat