OpenAI has announced the test launch of SearchGPT for waitlisted users, marking a significant step forward in the artificial intelligence (AI) search engine arena. This innovation promises to reshape web browsing by delivering faster, more accessible real-time information.

SearchGPT leverages OpenAI’s advanced large language models (LLM) to provide conversational and visual search results. Unlike traditional search engines, SearchGPT organizes findings into various formats, offering short descriptions followed by attribution links. This approach aims to enhance user experience by making information more relevant and easier to follow up on.

In a landscape where AI search engines are increasingly popular, OpenAI faces competition from major players. Microsoft integrated OpenAI’s LLM into Bing, now known as Copilot, in 2023. Google has also ventured into AI search but faced challenges, including bizarre search results like suggesting glue on pizza. Perplexity, another competitor branded as the “answer engine” and backed by Jeff Bezos, grapples with paywall issues and plagiarism accusations.

OpenAI plans to integrate SearchGPT features into ChatGPT in the future. In the meantime, users eager to try the new tool can sign up for the waitlist on OpenAI’s website. OpenAI spokesperson Kayla Wood confirmed that unnamed third-party partners and publishers have already been granted access to SearchGPT.

Robert Thomson, Chief Executive of News Corp, praised OpenAI’s approach, stating, “Sam and the talented team at OpenAI understand that for AI-powered search to be effective, it must be based on the highest-quality, most reliable information from trusted sources. For the heavens to be in equilibrium, the relationship between technology and content must be symbiotic, and provenance must be protected.”

The recent issues faced by Perplexity might have influenced OpenAI’s focus on developing reliable attribution and resources for SearchGPT. The company collaborates with news partners such as The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, and Vox Media to gather valuable feedback and improve the tool.

Despite its promising features, SearchGPT is still in its early prototype stages. Recent public AI demos have shown the system can fall prey to inaccuracies. Matteo Wong of The Atlantic reported that a mock user search result for music festivals in the announcement video included a mix-up of dates for the ‘An Appalachian Summer Festival.’

While concerns about AI reliability persist, OpenAI continues to push forward with rapid advancements in ChatGPT, supported by millions of users. By focusing on proper attribution and accurate information, OpenAI aims to enhance user trust and deliver a more refined search experience with SearchGPT.