OpenAI has launched a new feature in ChatGPT, enabling it to search the web for answers and provide real-time information. This development positions ChatGPT as a strong competitor to Google, offering users an AI-driven alternative for online information discovery. The search capability is powered by Microsoft's Bing engine, and OpenAI has partnered with notable publishers like News Corp and the Associated Press to expand its content base.
ChatGPT can now access up-to-date internet information and summarize its findings. For election-related searches, ChatGPT prioritizes trusted sources like the Associated Press and Reuters to combat misinformation. OpenAI has also partnered with publishers to provide direct content feeds, although these articles won't receive prioritized ranking.
The increased use of AI chatbots like ChatGPT raises concerns about environmental impact. A study found that generating a single email requires 0.14 kilowatt-hours of electricity, enough to power 14 LED lights for an hour. Moreover, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that processing polite messages like "please" and "thank you" costs the company tens of millions of dollars.
As ChatGPT continues to grow, it's likely to disrupt the traditional model of driving traffic to publishers and monetizing through ads and subscriptions. With its rapid growth, speculation has emerged that Google's dominance in search may face real competition.
