OpenAI Introduces SearchGPT Prototype
In May, there were rumors that OpenAI would launch its search engine. However, during the OpenAI Spring Release on May 13th, this search engine was not announced. At that time, Sam Altman stated that the focus of the Spring Release was solely on the GPT-4o model. Since the rumors emerged, it was only a matter of time before OpenAI introduced its AI-based search engine prototype, SearchGPT.
OpenAI describes this as a prototype of a new search functionality that integrates the advantages of AI models with information from the web, providing users with prompt, timely answers, as well as clear and relevant sources.
Currently, this new search engine is available to a select few users and publishers to gather feedback. As a prototype product, OpenAI plans to eventually integrate its best features directly into ChatGPT.
SearchGPT’s features include revolutionizing the presentation of traditional search engines, allowing users to view AI-generated responses without having to click through multiple web pages. Each generated response is sourced for verification, and users can engage in continuous conversation, making the search experience akin to conversing with a knowledgeable person.
OpenAI is also collaborating with website publishers and content creators, aiming to drive traffic to their sites through SearchGPT. The AI-generated answers will include explicit, inline, and named attributions and links, enticing users to visit the original websites.
It is noteworthy that OpenAI emphasized that regardless of whether a website prohibits its content from being used to train AI, SearchGPT will continue to collect data and help websites gain traffic. In other words, GPT crawlers will still index website content for the search engine, which is distinct from using content for model training.
Currently, it is rumored that only 10,000 users can test SearchGPT in advance. Interested users can join the waitlist here.
