OpenAI has significantly enhanced its popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT, by integrating a search engine directly into the platform. This strategic upgrade positions ChatGPT as a formidable competitor to Google's long-standing dominance in web search.
The new feature allows users to receive \"fast, timely answers\" accompanied by links to relevant web sources. This means that information previously requiring a separate search engine can now be accessed seamlessly within the ChatGPT interface.
With the integration of real-time data, ChatGPT's homepage now offers direct tabs to sourced material on a variety of topics, including weather forecasts, stock prices, sports scores, and breaking news. These links connect users to news and data from providers that have established content agreements with OpenAI, ensuring reliable and up-to-date information.
The revamped interface of ChatGPT bears a resemblance to Google's search results and Google Maps but distinguishes itself by eliminating the clutter of advertisements. It also draws parallels to Perplexity, another AI-powered search engine known for its conversational search capabilities and referenced sources.
Despite the innovative advancements, both OpenAI and Perplexity are currently facing legal challenges from The New York Times. The lawsuits allege that these platforms have been scraping or linking to copyrighted content without proper authorization.
OpenAI has chosen to integrate the search functionality directly into ChatGPT rather than launching it as a standalone product. Initially available to paying subscribers, this feature will soon be accessible to users of the free version of the chatbot, expanding its reach and utility.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
