San Francisco-based OpenAI revealed it is currently testing SearchGPT, a prototype of new AI search features that provides “fast and timely answers with clear and relevant sources.” The testing arrives as similar technology is made available by leading search services Google and Microsoft Bing. The SearchGPT prototype, featuring a user interface similar to that of OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot and virtual assistant, launched last week to a group of 10,000 test users and publishers who will be tapped for feedback. The plan is to iterate an improved version and then integrate SearchGPT directly into ChatGPT, although no timeline was provided.

“You type in a query, and SearchGPT serves up information and photos from the web along with links to relevant sources, at which point you can ask follow-up questions or explore additional, related searches in a sidebar,” reports TechCrunch.

OpenAI notes on a splash page (with waitlist signup) that it is “partnering with publishers and creators” to foster discovery based on the links and info served up.

“For decades, search has been a foundational way for publishers and creators to reach users. Now, we’re using AI to enhance this experience by highlighting high quality content in a conversational interface with multiple opportunities for users to engage,” the page explains.

Details as to specific publishers is not shared, but it has previously been disclosed that OpenAI struck deals with the Associated Press, among others. Conversely, The New York Times is suing OpenAI for IP infringement as is, separately, a group of eight newspapers that includes The Denver Post, New York Daily News and Chicago Tribune.

SearchGPT is powered by OpenAI models GPT-3.5, GPT-4 and GPT-4o. The Verge calls the new search entry “the start of what could become a meaningful threat to Google, which has rushed to bake in AI features across its search engine, fearing that users will flock to competing products that offer the tools first.” Wired further dramatizes the scenario, calling SearchGPT “OpenAI’s direct assault on Google.”

TechCrunch raises privacy concerns. A SearchGPT FAQ says it collects at least “general location information” and shares it “with third-party search providers to improve the accuracy of your results.” Search engines Google and Bing allow users to turn off location tracking (though browsers also location track, barring use of a VPN).

Last week, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wrote an opinion piece in The Washington Post that asks “Who will control the future of AI?”

Related:
OpenAI Cheer: New Search Engine Will Protect Publishers, Firm Vows, MediaPost, 7/28/24