What is SearchGPT? Exploring SearchGPT Prototype

OpenAI intensified its efforts to compete with Google by launching the ChatGPT search engine to rival Google’s Gemini-powered search technology. Beginning that day, OpenAI officially rolled out ChatGPT’s search functionality.

The new feature generated timely responses with relevant links, mirroring Google Search and potentially escalating competition.

• According to OpenAI representatives, the ChatGPT search engine had the potential to deliver more accurate and useful information to all ChatGPT users.

SearchGPT

OpenAI began testing SearchGPT in July 2024, initially offering it to users who signed up for early access.

• Based on user feedback, the latest stable version has been refined for enhanced efficiency.
• OpenAI plans to integrate SearchGPT into projects like Canvas and Advanced Voice, aiming to make it accessible to both free and logged-out users shortly.

SearchGPT

OpenAI has opted to integrate web search directly into ChatGPT’s existing interface, rather than launching it as a standalone product.

• This feature intelligently determines when to pull in web results based on the user’s query, though users can also trigger searches manually.
• With this addition, ChatGPT now closes a significant competitive gap with rivals like Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini, both of which already offer real-time internet access in their AI interactions.

Latest Release

The web search feature will roll out across all ChatGPT platforms: iOS, Android, and desktop apps for macOS and Windows.

• Built with a blend of search technologies, including Microsoft’s Bing, the system leverages a fine-tuned version of GPT-4, according to Fry.
• Initially released as a prototype named SearchGPT to 10,000 test users in July, this feature builds on OpenAI’s ongoing efforts to enhance real-time search capabilities, including hiring former Google talent to strengthen its search team.