Microsoft OpenAI set to challenge Google with new search product

According to two sources aware of the case, OpenAI intends to promote its artificial intelligence-powered search product on Monday, increasing the stakes in its competition with search king Google.

Microsoft OpenAI Reportedly Developing Search Product

The tech world is abuzz with reports that Microsoft OpenAI is gearing up to unveil a new search product, potentially entering into competition with Google and Perplexity, a prominent AI search startup. 

While the announcement date is still fluid, Bloomberg and the Information have hinted at this development.

Strategic Timing Ahead of Google’s I/O Conference

Speculation is rife that the announcement could be strategically timed just ahead of Google’s annual I/O conference, set to commence on Tuesday. 

This move could position Microsoft OpenAI’s offering as a formidable contender in the AI-driven search space, particularly as Google is expected to unveil a slew of AI-related products during its conference.

ChatGPT as the Foundation

The forthcoming search product from OpenAI is said to be an extension of its flagship ChatGPT product. Leveraging cutting-edge AI models, ChatGPT generates human-like responses to text prompts. 

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The new search functionality will enable ChatGPT to retrieve direct information from the web, complete with citations.

Challenges and Competition

Despite its popularity, ChatGPT has faced challenges in providing accurate and real-time information from the web. 

To address this, OpenAI had previously integrated ChatGPT with Microsoft’s Bing for paid subscribers. Meanwhile, Perplexity, founded by a former OpenAI researcher, has gained traction with its AI-native search interface, boasting 10 million monthly active users.

Pressure to Expand User Base

OpenAI’s ChatGPT has seen fluctuations in worldwide traffic over the past year, prompting the company to seek avenues for expansion. 

An earlier attempt to integrate real-world information into ChatGPT, known as ChatGPT plugins, was retired in April.

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, Microsoft OpenAI’s foray into the search domain underscores the intensifying competition in the AI-driven search market. With Google and Perplexity already established players, the stage is set for an intriguing battle of innovation and technology prowess.