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OpenAI unveils search feature to challenge Google’s dominance

Search giant's shares tumble 3% on back of new product announcement
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Image: Andrew Neel: via Pexels

26 July 2024

In a major move to shake up the search engine landscape, OpenAI has announced the trial of a new search feature for its ChatGPT product. This innovative tool integrates real-time information into its AI-powered chatbot, giving users access to up-to-date answers and links.

The new search feature is currently available to a limited number of users in the US. Once fully rolled out, users will be able to ask follow-up questions related to their original searches. OpenAI claims this enhancement will make finding relevant information faster and easier, as users will no longer have to perform multiple searches to get the answers they are looking for.

The launch of OpenAI’s search feature has sent shock waves through the tech industry, with many analysts predicting a significant challenge to Google’s dominance in the market. With the AI chatbot revolution gaining momentum, it is clear that this new development is just the beginning.

 

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In response to the announcement, shares of Alphabet (Google’s parent company) fell nearly 3% at the end of trading. This decline reflects concerns about Google’s ability to maintain its market share in the face of increased competition from AI-driven search programs.

The expansion of AI-driven search systems has raised environmental concerns because of their significant energy consumption. In addition, changes in the way search engines respond to queries – offering conversational paragraphs rather than directing users to links – have led to concerns among news companies that rely heavily on search traffic for audience engagement and revenue.

In an effort to address these concerns, OpenAI has announced partnerships with publishers, including The Atlantic and News Corp. The company has also launched a feature that allows publishers to control how they appear in SearchGPT, giving them more control over their online presence.

OpenAI’s commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem of creators and publishers is evident in its efforts to collaborate with media outlets. The company has previously been sued for allegedly ‘stealing’ content to train its systems, but it has also announced partnerships with certain media outlets, including the Associated Press.

OpenAI has stated that media companies can still be displayed in search results even if they have refused to provide their material to train the model. This decision is intended to promote a healthier ecosystem where creators are valued and respected.

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