OpenAI recently expanded the accessibility of its ChatGPT Search functionality, opening the feature to all users with an OpenAI account as of Monday. Initially launched in late October, the service was available only to premium subscribers, but advancements have now allowed for a more efficient and rapid system that caters to a broader audience, as highlighted by Kevin Weil, product lead at OpenAI, in an announcement video.
ChatGPT Search enables users to receive detailed, conversational answers to specific questions without the need to navigate through multiple websites. This positions ChatGPT as a direct competitor to established search engines like Google, particularly for users seeking quick answers to time-sensitive inquiries.
The operation of ChatGPT Search is straightforward. Users can input a time-sensitive question directly into the "Message ChatGPT" interface, prompting an automatic web search. For instance, when the query "What is going on in NYC this weekend?" was entered, ChatGPT quickly sourced information from five different web pages to provide an informative reply. Alternatively, users can trigger a web search by selecting a globe icon after typing a query.
In testing the search function, one query addressed the number of active users on ChatGPT as of December 2024. ChatGPT effectively referenced data from Demand Sage, reporting approximately 300 million weekly active users and about 123.5 million daily active users. Users have the ability to hover over the citations for a preview of the respective websites, or click through for more in-depth information.
The rapidity and relevance of responses from ChatGPT Search have been noted as significant advantages. However, one area where it currently lacks is the provision of multiple sources for the same piece of information, limiting transparency and depth compared to traditional search engines. While it cites sources cleanly, the absence of diversified referencing may hinder its perceived reliability.
Comparisons between ChatGPT and Google suggest a growing convergence, with both platforms adopting features from one another. Google is increasingly displaying AI-generated summaries that resemble ChatGPT's detailed responses, whereas ChatGPT is integrating web search capabilities more akin to those of Google. Despite these similarities, Google maintains a greater array of sources for its information.
At present, it appears unlikely that ChatGPT Search will fully replace Google in the immediate future. Users may find Google's extensive array of source links and citation options more beneficial, yet there remains potential for ChatGPT to enhance its functionality and increase its competitive stance as development proceeds.
These developments in AI automation within search functionalities highlight a broader trend affecting business practices and industry forecasts. As AI technologies continue to evolve, they may fundamentally reshape how individuals and organisations access information, thereby influencing decision-making processes and efficiency in various professional contexts.
Source: Noah Wire Services