After many months of rumors and speculations, OpenAI is reportedly planning to launch a new AI-powered search product on Monday, in a move that could threaten Google’s search dominance and pitch the company in direct competition with AI-search startup Perplexity.
According to multiple sources, OpenAI is planning to announce a new ChatGPT search feature that would allow the chatbot to access online sources to answer user queries, complete with proper citations for the information used. In addition, select versions of this feature may augment responses with pertinent visuals, offering users a comprehensive understanding through diagrams or step-by-step illustrations.
Inside sources told Reuters that OpenAI intends to formally introduce its AI-driven search tool on Monday, amplifying the competition with industry titan Google. This strategic move underscores OpenAI’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI technology, positioning itself as a formidable contender in the search arena.
The announcement’s timing, strategically placed just ahead of Google’s annual I/O conference, hints at a calculated maneuver to seize the spotlight in the AI landscape, Reuters reported. While details remain shrouded in secrecy, reports from Reuters, Bloomberg, and the Information corroborate OpenAI’s efforts to challenge Google’s dominance with a robust search offering.
Presently, ChatGPT Plus subscribers have access to rudimentary browsing capabilities, albeit plagued by inconsistencies and technical glitches. However, the impending launch of a full-fledged search functionality signals OpenAI’s ambition to elevate ChatGPT’s capabilities to unprecedented heights. This development holds significant implications, potentially ushering in a new era of interactive AI experiences and paving the way for more autonomous features.
Despite mounting anticipation, OpenAI has refrained from divulging details or commenting on the impending announcement. Nevertheless, industry analysts speculate that this strategic unveiling could set the stage for a captivating showdown at Google’s I/O conference, where AI-related innovations are expected to take center stage.
This development follows Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s strategic move against Google a year ago. As a supporter of OpenAI, Nadella added Copilot AI tools to Bing, expressing on Decoder, “I want people to know that we made them dance.”
“OpenAI has been developing a web search product that would bring the Microsoft-backed startup into more direct competition with Google, according to someone with knowledge of OpenAI’s plans,” The Information reported.
OpenAI is not alone. Perplexity, a well-funded AI startup with a staggering valuation of $1 billion, emerges as a formidable player in the AI search landscape. Founded by a former OpenAI researcher, the company has swiftly garnered attention by offering an AI-native search interface that sets new standards in user experience. Unique in its ability to seamlessly integrate citations, images, and text into search results, Perplexity has amassed a substantial user base, boasting 10 million monthly active users as reported in a January blog post.
Founded in 2015 by Sam Altman and Elon Musk as a non-profit research institution, OpenAI’s mission is to pave the way for safe and beneficial artificial general intelligence (AGI). However, in 2020, it transitioned into a commercial entity, marking a significant shift in its trajectory. Despite internal disruptions in November, including Altman’s temporary departure and subsequent return, the company remains at the forefront of the burgeoning AI market, spurred by the successful launch of ChatGPT in 2022.
