OpenAI has unveiled SearchGPT, a prototype AI-powered search engine poised to revolutionise how we interact with search engines. This move marks OpenAI’s ambitious entry into a market long dominated by Google. The aim? To provide users with faster, more accurate answers and clear attributions to sources.
Key features of SearchGPT
- Intuitive interface: SearchGPT begins with a simple prompt, “What are you searching for?”. Users enter their queries and receive summarised responses with precise, in-line citations and links to original sources.
- Enhanced interaction: Users can ask follow-up questions, with the AI maintaining context from previous queries, making the search experience more conversational and interactive.
- Publisher collaboration: OpenAI has partnered with numerous publishers, including The Atlantic and Vox Media, ensuring that content is accurately represented and fairly attributed. This collaboration aims to respect and protect the interests of content creators and journalists.
- Visual and sidebar features: Search results are enhanced with visual answers and a sidebar providing additional relevant links, helping users quickly access a broad spectrum of information.
Technological backbone
SearchGPT leverages the powerful capabilities of OpenAI’s GPT-4 family of models, known for their advanced natural language processing. These models enable SearchGPT to process real-time information from the web, addressing limitations found in earlier AI models. Integrating direct content feeds from third-party partners enhances the accuracy and reliability of search results.
Future integration and availability
While currently in the prototype stage and limited to 10,000 test users, OpenAI plans to integrate the best features of SearchGPT into ChatGPT. This future integration aims to blend ChatGPT’s conversational strengths with SearchGPT’s real-time search capabilities, offering a seamless user experience.
Implications for the search market
The launch of SearchGPT signals a significant shift in the search engine landscape. By focusing on user-friendly, AI-driven search capabilities, OpenAI challenges traditional search engine models. This development could influence how other tech giants approach AI and search integration, potentially leading to a more dynamic and competitive market.
OpenAI has opened a waitlist for those interested in trying SearchGPT, allowing early access to this innovative search tool. As OpenAI continues refining SearchGPT, user and publisher feedback will play a crucial role in shaping its development and future iterations.
How to join the waitlist
To join the OpenAI’s SearchGPT waitlist, visit the ChatGPT website and sign up. Here are the steps:
- Visit the sign-up page: Go to the ChatGPT website where OpenAI has set up the waitlist for SearchGPT.
- Provide your information: Fill out the required information on the sign-up form to join the waitlist.
- Confirmation: After submitting your details, you should receive an email confirmation from OpenAI indicating that you have been added to the waitlist.
OpenAI will notify selected users via email when they are granted access to the SearchGPT prototype. This process ensures that OpenAI can gather feedback from a controlled group of users before a broader release.
