Last month, OpenAI announced the launch of ChatGPT Search.
While this new search engine player wasn’t quite ready to disrupt Google search then, today’s free global release of the new ChatGPT Search aims to address its shortcomings in accessing real-time information.
Key highlights of this update include:
- Advanced voice mode now supports real-time web search and multi-language real-time translation
- ChatGPT can intelligently determine whether web search is needed, and users can manually trigger searches by clicking the 🌐 icon
- Videos in search results can be played directly in the ChatGPT chat window
- Support for setting ChatGPT search as the default browser to improve web navigation efficiency
- Optimized mobile search results display, including complete business information descriptions and rich visual content
- Native Apple Maps integration for iOS devices
The launch event was co-hosted by OpenAI Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil, ChatGPT Search Product Manager Adam Fry, and technical staff member Cristina Scheau.
After several consecutive days of launch events, not only were the viewers feeling fatigued, but even Kevin Weil seemed somewhat perfunctory, barely concealing his reliance on the teleprompter.
Back to the main topic, the upgraded ChatGPT search has become “smarter.”
For instance, when you ask “What fun activities are there in San Francisco this weekend?” ChatGPT will automatically determine whether it needs to access the latest online information, or you can manually click the “Search Web” icon, and ChatGPT will always retrieve the most current information from the internet to answer questions.
ChatGPT’s responses include rich images and lists, appearing more streamlined than Google’s search engine at first glance.
Search results cite information sources, effectively reducing the harm of AI hallucinations, and you can directly jump to relevant websites to view detailed visual content and other search results.
ChatGPT search’s biggest feature is its conversational interaction style.
For example, when discussing rainy day activities in San Francisco and wanting to watch a movie, we can first search and play the new “Lion King” trailer in ChatGPT to reduce the risk of disappointment.
For users accustomed to using ChatGPT as their default search engine, they can now access various websites more quickly, such as Netflix.
They can even search for hotel booking websites directly from the browser address bar. ChatGPT will prioritize displaying target website links while providing related links in the sidebar for reference.
On mobile devices, ChatGPT search performs equally well after the upgrade.
For example, when searching for the best Mexican restaurants, ChatGPT provides a list with complete merchant information including visual information and business hours. We can further filter through natural dialogue, such as finding “restaurants with outdoor patios and heaters,” without needing to modify keywords or search again.
ChatGPT’s integration with Apple’s ecosystem also provides a perfect localized experience with Apple Maps integration. Clicking the map button allows direct viewing of these businesses and using local Apple services for on-site browsing.
Typing efficiency often can’t match voice communication. Now ChatGPT’s advanced voice mode can also perform real-time web searches.
For instance, if you’re planning a vacation in Switzerland, ChatGPT can tell you in fluent voice what activities are happening in Zurich during a particular week.
It can detail specific festivals, visiting circus shows, music performances, and more.
For more specific timing, including Christmas market opening dates and times, today’s weather in Zurich, or even Union Square’s opening hours in New York, ChatGPT can answer all these queries.
Unfortunately, there was no joke at the end of this launch event. The demonstrators asked ChatGPT to show “Merry Christmas” in German, French, and Italian, which was naturally easy for ChatGPT, supporting over 50 languages.
Finally, the emotionless Kevin Weil also “spoiled” tomorrow’s livestream details, announcing a “mini” developer day with more exciting news to come.
Last month when ChatGPT search was first released, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman posted on X platform:
“Search is my favorite feature since we launched ChatGPT!”
According to a survey of 1,300 people conducted by investment firm Evercore in September, 8% of respondents chose ChatGPT over Google as their preferred search engine, up from just 1% in June.
Notably, this was achieved before the more professional ChatGPT search function was officially released, already taking a bite out of search market share and gaining so many loyal followers.
This success has further stimulated OpenAI’s ambitions to expand in the search field.
Last month, The Information disclosed that OpenAI is planning a new product aimed at combining AI chatbots with web browsers, and has begun discussing cooperation agreements with websites in travel, dining, real estate, and retail sectors to provide search functionality.
To achieve this goal, OpenAI even spent heavily to recruit Ben Goodger, one of the founding members of the Google Chrome team, earlier.
However, finding a balance between user experience and commercial monetization remains a challenge for all AI search engines.
Perplexity AI, which started with a “no ads” approach, eventually couldn’t resist revenue pressure and announced trials of brand advertising in their AI search engine. OpenAI’s Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar also indicated they are weighing whether to introduce advertising in their products.
Let’s hope this doesn’t become another story of “the dragon slayer becoming the dragon.”