OpenAI challenges Google by announcing AI-powered SearchGPT

OpenAI announced a new prototype search engine called SearchGPT, which could pose threats to the long-dominant Google search engine.

"Getting answers on the web can take a lot of effort, often requiring multiple attempts to get relevant results. We believe that by enhancing the conversational capabilities of our models with real-time information from the web, finding what you are looking for can be faster and easier," the company said in a blog post.

“SearchGPT is designed to help users connect with publishers by prominently citing and linking to them in searches," the company explained.

“Responses have clear, in-line, named attribution and links so users know where information is coming from and can quickly engage with even more results in a sidebar with source links,” it added.

Initially, SearchGPT will be available to a certain group of people, including publishers and software developers.

According to OpenAI, the users, who are willing to get access to a new search engine, will need to sign up for Open AI’s waitlist.

However, following the announcement of Search GPT on Thursday, shares of Google parent Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) declined slightly but reclaimed its position on Friday. 

On the other hand, AI raised fears for publishers that summarising content would prevent consumers from reaching the sites that are getting revenue from advertising.