TECH STARTUPS
In a potential game-changing move that could impact billions of Internet users, OpenAI is said to be in the process of developing a web search product. This initiative would position the creator of the widely used ChatGPT in direct competition with Google, challenging the search giant’s longstanding dominance. The Information, citing a source familiar with OpenAI’s plans, reported that the search service would be partially powered by Bing.
This development follows Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s strategic move against Google a year ago. As a supporter of OpenAI, Nadella added Copilot AI tools to Bing, expressing on Decoder, “I want people to know that we made them dance.”
“OpenAI has been developing a web search product that would bring the Microsoft-backed startup into more direct competition with Google, according to someone with knowledge of OpenAI’s plans,” The Information reported.
The source also told The Information that “the search service would be partly powered by Bing.”
Meanwhile, the specifics of OpenAI’s web search product are still shrouded in mystery. It remains to be seen whether it will operate as a standalone service or be integrated into the ChatGPT platform. With Copilot joining Bing, newcomers like Perplexity emerging, and Google’s Gemini Copilot in the mix, the landscape of search competition is becoming increasingly crowded. Interested readers can watch a YouTube Short featuring Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella discussing the competitive dynamics with Google, as mentioned in the article.
As of now, OpenAI has not officially addressed the rumors, maintaining its notorious secrecy regarding leaks. The company has even gone to the extent of hiring investigators to address potential insider threats.
Although specifics about the project are scarce, speculation is abound regarding whether the search tool will seamlessly integrate into ChatGPT or be introduced as a standalone product. OpenAI’s bold foray into Google’s domain suggests a potential shift in how we navigate the internet for information. If the rumors are true, we might witness a departure from the familiar phrase “Google it” to “OpenAI it.”
Additionally, an insider informed The Information that OpenAI’s search engine might leverage Microsoft’s Bing for certain functionalities. This aligns with Microsoft’s substantial investments in OpenAI and its ongoing integration of GPT-based AI into various products such as Bing Chat and Copilot.
Founded in 2015 by Sam Altman and Elon Musk as a non-profit research institution, OpenAI’s mission is to pave the way for safe and beneficial artificial general intelligence (AGI). However, in 2020, it transitioned into a commercial entity, marking a significant shift in its trajectory. Despite internal disruptions in November, including Altman’s temporary departure and subsequent return, the company remains at the forefront of the burgeoning AI market, spurred by the successful launch of ChatGPT in 2022.
Below is a video of CEO Satya Nadella about Microsoft competing with Google in search.
