AI search from OpenAI

SearchGPT is set to compete with Google

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is convinced that search could be much better than it is today.(Bild: x.com/OpenAI)

ChatGPT developer OpenAI has unveiled a prototype of its eagerly awaited search engine, which is designed to provide concrete answers to questions. A "small group of users" will now have access to it on a trial basis.

OpenAI is building its SearchGPT search engine on partnerships with media companies, among others. There has been speculation for months as to whether AI search engines could pose a threat to the dominant industry leader Google. 

Attempts by OpenAI's smaller rivals have so far failed to leave a mark on Google's business. However, ChatGPT is by far the best-known chatbot that kick-started the euphoria surrounding artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Google is also trying to improve its search engine with AI functions.

OpenAI is convinced that search could be much better than it is today, emphasized company boss Sam Altman. The company wants to learn from the prototype and then integrate the technology into ChatGPT. He himself was surprised by how much he prefers SearchGPT to the "old-school search".

"Reliable information"
Among the media companies cooperating with OpenAI are the German media group Axel Springer, Rupert Murdoch's newspaper empire News Corp and the Financial Times. It is still unclear whether all the media partners announced so far will also be involved in SearchGPT.

News Corp CEO Robert Thompson emphasized in the press release that OpenAI understands that AI search must be based on reliable information from trusted sources.