Sam Altman has stepped forward to dispel rumors surrounding the alleged launch of a search engine ahead of Google I/O.
While confirming an impending announcement from OpenAI, Altman clarified that it does not entail the introduction of GPT-5 or any search engine.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman looks on during the APEC CEO Summit at Moscone West on November 16, 2023, in San Francisco, California.Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Setting the Record Straight
Amidst much talk, Altman has spoken up to clear the air about rumors concerning the supposed launch of a search engine before Google I/O.
Altman disagrees with recent reports claiming OpenAI would reveal a search product right before Google's big event.
Affirming that while an impending OpenAI announcement is scheduled for Monday morning, OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman clarified that it does not involve the introduction of GPT-5 or a search engine.
Altman teased something unexpected, suggesting it would be quite remarkable. However, the details from OpenAI are still unclear, only mentioning updates related to ChatGPT and the latest model, GPT-4.
OpenAI is reportedly recruiting Google staff for a team dedicated to fast-tracking the product's release. Meanwhile, Bloomberg has separately covered the ongoing development of a search product at OpenAI, although an exact launch date remains uncertain.
ChatGPT's New Search Capability
OpenAI is developing a new capability for ChatGPT.
This feature aims to enable ChatGPT to search the Internet and provide responses with proper citations, potentially positioning it as a competitor to Alphabet Inc.'s Google and the AI search startup Perplexity.
Users could pose questions to ChatGPT and receive answers drawn from web content, complete with citations from sources like Wikipedia entries and blog posts.
Additionally, one feature version incorporates relevant images alongside textual responses to queries.
For example, if a user inquires about changing a doorknob, the result might include a visual diagram illustrating the process.
As the AI landscape becomes increasingly competitive, OpenAI faces mounting pressure to enhance the functionality of its flagship product.
The surge in chatbot development among competitors underscores the significance of search capabilities within the AI industry.
Notably, Perplexity has emerged as a formidable player, attaining both popularity and a valuation of $1 billion through its AI-driven search engine, which prioritizes precision and proper citations.
Meanwhile, Google has been intensifying its efforts to revamp its primary search offering with AI advancements. The tech giant is poised to unveil its latest Gemini AI models during its upcoming annual I/O event.
Introducing this feature would significantly enhance OpenAI's existing offerings for select users.
While ChatGPT currently provides automated online search results for specific inquiries, like the present weather in San Francisco, this functionality is currently accessible only to paying users.
