We all know ChatGPT. Well, its parent company, OpenAI, is launching a new search engine called SearchGPT.
The top line is that SearchGPT aims to prioritise answers, not links.
The software will consider the context of the user’s previous searches to provide the most relevant and complete answer, rather than a list of websites to visit.
This approach represents a significant shift in how search engines operate and has led many to wonder if SearchGPT could potentially overtake Google as the go-to search engine.
Well, let’s talk about it.
What is SearchGPT?
SearchGPT is OpenAI’s answer to Google. It’s an AI-powered search engine that uses natural language processing and machine learning to provide answers to user queries.
Instead of using traditional keyword-based algorithms, SearchGPT focuses on understanding the context of a query and providing complete and accurate responses.
It is based on OpenAI’s GPT-3 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), a powerful deep-learning model known for its ability to generate human-like text.
With a massive database of text and language models, SearchGPT has the potential to provide more accurate and relevant answers than traditional search engines.
Essentially, SearchGPT is a “question-answering engine” rather than a search engine.
What Does GPT Stand For?
GPT stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer. It’s a deep-learning algorithm used to generate human-like text. GPT-3, which is the basis of SearchGPT, has 175 billion parameters and has been trained on a wide range of internet sources.
The combination of this powerful AI technology with a search engine creates a platform that can provide highly accurate and relevant answers to user’s queries.
How Does SearchGPT Work?
Although it’s not live yet, our specialists have gained a detailed insight into how SearchGPT will work.
We know that SearchGPT will use Bing’s live index to source information, allowing the search engine to provide real-time answers as the web evolves.
Using Bing’s live index, SearchGPT will show users up-to-date answers to their queries, rather than just a list of websites.
Source links will be listed on the left-hand side of the interface, but the focus will be on providing a complete, concise answer to the user’s query.
Additionally, SearchGPT will use data from users’ prior searches and interactions to understand their intent better and provide more accurate responses in the future.
This is a significant shift from traditional search engines, which typically just provide a list of websites based on keywords.
Features of SearchGPT
Here are some of the features SearchGPT is set to have once it is launched. However, remember that these are subject to change as the search engine is still in development.
- Conversational AI: Instead of providing the user with a list of websites, SearchGPT interacts with users conversationally, allowing for more natural and intuitive search queries.
- Contextual understanding: Using natural language processing, SearchGPT understands the context of user’s queries and provides relevant responses.
- Up-to-date responses: With Bing’s live index, SearchGPT provides real-time answers to user’s queries.
- Follow-up questions: The more an individual uses SearchGPT, the more the search engine will learn about their preferences and provide better, more personalised responses tailored to their specific user intent.
- Summarisation: SearchGPT can summarise long-form content into shorter, more digestible answers for users.
- Source Attribution: Sources of information used to provide answers are clearly listed, allowing for transparent and trustworthy responses.
- Visual results: In addition to text-based results, SearchGPT provides visual results such as images and videos.
- Interactive Elements: The search engine incorporates interactive elements such as polls and quizzes, allowing for a more engaging user experience.
When Will SearchGPT Be Available?
The exact launch date for SearchGPT has not yet been publicly confirmed by OpenAI.
However, we anticipate that an initial rollout could occur within the next few months, as the development team is focused on fine-tuning its features and ensuring optimal performance.
Testing for the search engine has already started, with approximately 10,000 people currently able to use a prototype version.
By prioritising thorough testing and user engagement in the early stages, OpenAI aims to position SearchGPT as a robust and competitive alternative to existing search engines.
As more information becomes available, we will keep you updated on the latest developments and release timelines.
Can I Sign Up For SearchGPT?
Applications for the SearchGPT prototype are no longer being accepted.
However, once the search engine is officially launched, it will be available for public use like any other search engine.
Is SearchGPT Free?
Initially, SearchGPT will be free for all users.
However, we anticipate that as more users adopt the platform, OpenAI may introduce premium features or a subscription-based model in the future.
What Makes SearchGPT Different from Google?
The biggest differences between SearchGPT and Google are the interfaces and overall user experience of the search engine.
SearchGPT wants to provide answers, not links.
Google wants to provide users with links that may contain the information they’re looking for.
This innovative change in priority for a search engine has the potential to revolutionise how we search for and obtain information.
SearchGPT aims to put less focus on specific keywords and more focus on understanding the context and intent of a user’s query.
This means that instead of scrolling through multiple websites, users can get the information they need directly from SearchGPT’s conversational AI.
OpenAI has also said that SearchGPT will be ad-free, meaning users can get information without distractions or bias.
(Although this is bad news for digital marketers who prioritise PPC campaigns)
What’s more, by having a slick and modern interface, SearchGPT aims to make the search experience more engaging and user-friendly.
While on the surface, SearchGPT may seem similar to other search engines, its unique features and user-centred approach set it apart from traditional search engines like Google and opens the door for a new era of searching for information.
The Impact of SearchGPT on Modern SEO
For years, Search Engine Optimisation has been focused on keyword optimisation and ranking highly in search engine results pages (SERPs), using the Google and Bing guidelines as the gold standard.
Recently, the introduction of AI to the public has significantly altered the SEO world as more auto-generated content is published, bombarding SERPs with potentially low-quality content.
Now, the introduction of SearchGPT is set to make even bigger waves, flipping the industry on its head.
Most significantly, the widespread adoption of SearchGPT could have two earth-shattering impacts in the world of SEO:
- Since SearchGPT uses Bing’s live indexing, optimising for Bing is more important than ever if you want to get your content seen.
- Traditional SEO could be at risk, as SearchGPT’s conversational AI and contextual understanding prioritise providing complete answers rather than directing users to a specific site via keyword search and optimisation.
It could be argued that Google has been doing this for years.
Just look at featured snippets or the introduction of Google’s AI-generated responses in 2024 (we’ll touch on those in the next section), Google has not shied away from providing direct answers to users’ queries.
However, SearchGPT takes this concept to a whole new level, providing a refined user experience unlike any other search engine.
Plus, it’s not as though Google has its AI entirely figured out either.
“Eat Rocks” – The Early Difficulties With Google AI Overview
In May 2024, Google rolled out its AI Overview feature.
The intention was to provide users with a simple way of getting their questions answered quickly and accurately, without having to scroll through multiple websites (sound familiar?).
However, it wasn’t long before users discovered that Google’s AI could be easily manipulated into giving nonsensical or offensive responses.
Notable examples include the AI recommending that users:
- Eat “at least one small rock a day”
- Use glue to stick cheese to a pizza
- Run with scissors
- Stare at the sun for up to 30 minutes
To be clear – you should not do any of the above.
But, the fact that Google’s AI could be easily manipulated raises questions about its accuracy and reliability.
Sure, the AI has since been updated to address these issues, but it is still not infallible.
On the other hand, whether SearchGPT will start recommending users eat rocks or use glue as toothpaste remains to be seen.
One thing we do know is that SearchGPT’s developers have stated that they are placing a strong emphasis on testing and monitoring their AI for accuracy and reliability, in order to provide the most trustworthy and reliable results for users.
But it’s not just the AI itself that’s causing concern, there are legal matters at play that could flip the search engine world on its head.
Why is Google Being Sued?
The introduction of SearchGPT really couldn’t have come at a better time – or at least for OpenAI, that is.
Google is being sued by the US Department of Justice for acting illegally to maintain its monopoly on online search and digital advertising.
The lawsuit states that Google used anti-competitive tactics to maintain its dominance in the market, stifling competition and harming consumers.
The US Department of Justice claims that Google has invested billions of dollars into partnerships with companies like Apple and Samsung to ensure that Google remains the default search engine on their devices.
While the outcome of this lawsuit is yet to be determined, the impact this lawsuit will have will likely result in changes across the entire search engine landscape.
With Google no longer being allowed to pay billions to become the default browser on devices, other search engines may have a chance to emerge and compete.
This could lead to an influx of new and innovative search engines like SearchGPT, potentially changing the way we find and consume information in the digital age.
Could SearchGPT Become a Default Browser?
Potentially.
Tech companies understand that the reason why Google is so successful is partly due to the familiarity bias of consumers.
We tend to stick with what we know and are used to, which is why Google has maintained its monopoly for so long.
This bias is in part due to the fact that it’s the default search engine on most devices, but also because it’s a great search engine.
For a company to stray away from the norm and use SearchGPT as their default browser, it would be a bold move that requires trust in the AI’s capabilities and an understanding of their target audience.
Any tech company that wants to push the envelope and differentiate themselves from the competition could potentially make this move.
The truth is that there is a market for innovative technology. Certain demographics want to be early adopters of new technology, especially if it promises a better user experience.
So, while it may not become the default search engine for everyone, SearchGPT could definitely attract a niche audience that grows over time as word gets out.
Only time will tell how Google’s lawsuit and the introduction of SearchGPT will shape the future of digital search, but one thing is for sure – change is on the horizon.
Will SearchGPT Overtake Google?
It’s hard to see any search engine taking the crown away from Google – but it’s not impossible.
The biggest issue SearchGPT, or any search engine, faces is that Google is a household name.
There is a worldwide brand awareness and trust Google has built over two decades, and it’s not something that can be easily replicated.
However, the potential of SearchGPT is huge.
The AI-driven search engine has already attracted the attention of big names like Microsoft reportedly interested in using the software to enhance their services.
Plus, with the increasing demand for more human-like interactions and personalized experiences in technology, SearchGPT’s natural language processing capabilities could give it an edge over Google’s keyword-based algorithm – similar to that of voice search SEO.
Additionally, as AI technology continues to advance and improve, who knows what other innovative features SearchGPT will be able to offer users in the future?
It’s worth noting that SearchGPT is still in its early stages of development, so it’s hard to predict how it will evolve and compete with Google in the future.
But with over 60 million people already using ChatGPT every day, it’s clear that there is a demand for AI-generated technology, and search engines are embracing this trend.
Granted, those numbers hardly touch Google’s mammoth 4+ billion daily users, but in this fast-paced digital world, anything is possible.
Conclusion
The introduction of SearchGPT has sparked excitement and speculation in the tech world.
As the AI-driven search engine continues to develop and improve, it poses a potential threat to Google’s long-standing dominance.
But whether or not it will overtake Google remains to be seen.
One thing is for sure – the digital search landscape is constantly evolving, and we can expect more innovations like SearchGPT in the future.
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