OpenAI has unveiled SearchGPT, a prototype search engine designed to compete with Google’s dominance in the market. This new tool aims to enhance user experience by using generative AI to provide quick answers and relevant links in a conversational tone. SearchGPT could potentially be integrated with OpenAI’s popular ChatGPT, utilizing data from publishers that have partnered with OpenAI.

While OpenAI has not publicly demonstrated SearchGPT, it has provided access to select partners and publishers, refining the tool based on their feedback. Microsoft, an investor in OpenAI, previously released a generative AI version of Bing, which has since been rebranded as Copilot.

SearchGPT’s approach appears similar to that of Perplexity, allowing users to ask follow-up questions while receiving a list of pertinent links. OpenAI has emphasized its commitment to publishers, stating that SearchGPT will cite and link to original sources, thus addressing concerns over copyright violations that have arisen with other AI search tools.

As OpenAI seeks new revenue streams amid significant operational costs, entering the search engine arena could help it challenge Google, which has quickly developed its AI competitor, Gemini. Despite the challenges of creating a superior search tool, SearchGPT may prompt Google to enhance its own offerings.

OpenAI is currently testing SearchGPT with a limited user group and plans to integrate its best features into ChatGPT in the future. As search engines increasingly integrate AI, the competition in this space continues to intensify, potentially reshaping how users access information online.