ChatGPT Search Launched: Is This the End of Google Search?

OpenAI is raining Christmas presents almost everyday this December! On Day-8 of their Shipmas event, OpenAI has made ChatGPT Search available to all! This new web search feature which was rolled out to ChatGPT’s paid users earlier this year, is now available to all logged-in users of ChatGPT worldwide. Not just that, ChatGPT Search is also integrated into the ChatGPT mobile app and in its advanced voice chat mode. With all of these updates and increased accessibility, will ChatGPT Search take over Google Search? Will it be a strong competitor to AI search engines like Perplexity AI? Let’s find out.

What is ChatGPT Search?

ChatGPT Search is a significant enhancement to OpenAI’s AI chatbot, that integrates real-time web search capabilities to the existing chat interface. With this new feature ChatGPT can now search the internet and give users up-to-date information in real-time. It lets users get current data, including sports scores, news updates, stock prices, and weather forecasts, directly through ChatGPT. Moreover, ChatGPT Search includes citations to external sources in its responses. This enhances transparency and trustworthiness, and also allows users to verify information and explore topics further.

By combining conversational AI with latest information from the internet, ChatGPT Search aims to deliver timely and contextually relevant responses to user queries. This development positions ChatGPT as a formidable competitor to traditional search engines like Google and also emerging AI-driven platforms such as Perplexity.ai.

Also Read: ChatGPT vs Perplexity vs Google vs Goover: Who Nails your Search Queries?

How to Use ChatGPT Search?

Accessing ChatGPT Search is quite straightforward.

1. Open ChatGPT and login using your Google account or email id.
2. Once logged in, simply type in your prompt or search query, as you would on any search engine.
3. ChatGPT on its own will determine if your query requires real-time information*. It will then search the web and get you a relevant and up-to-date response.

*I’ve found a few instances where ChatGPT doesn’t automatically respond using web search. So, if you don’t get an up-to-date response on the first try, just click on the web search icon and retry the prompt.

How to Set ChatGPT Search as Your Default Search Engine?

You can search directly on ChatGPT, without having to go to the website, by setting ChatGPT Search as your default search engine. You can do this by adding the ChatGPT search extension from the Chrome Web Store.

Once added, whatever you type on your Chrome search bar, will automatically go to ChatGPT as a query.

Features of ChatGPT Search

ChatGPT Search introduces 3 key features designed to enhance user experience:

1. Interactive Responses
2. Voice Interaction
3. Mobile Optimization

Let’s explore each of these.

Interactive Responses

The chatbot provides interactive elements such as maps and videos, directly within the chat interface. For instance, searching for hotels in a city displays a map pinpointing their locations, along with a list of their images, ratings, and hours. It also provides direct links to maps, official websites, and the option to call up the place.

This response is dynamic in nature, letting users switch to a list view.

Voice Interaction

Advanced Voice Mode enables users to interact with ChatGPT using voice commands, making the search experience more natural and hands-free. This feature is currently only available to paid subscribers.

Access the advanced voice mode by tapping on the wave icon

Mobile Optimization

OpenAI has launched the search feature on ChatGPT’s app on both android and ios. The mobile version of ChatGPT Search has been optimized to resemble traditional search engines, providing a familiar interface for users on the go.

Testing Out ChatGPT Search

Now let’s try out a few everyday search queries on ChatGPT Search.

1. Shopping Suggestions

Prompt/Query: 512GB phone under 20,000

Output:

ChatGPT showed me just 2 options for phones that meet my requirement, while I know there are many more brands and models out there for the same. I do not know the selection criteria that ChatGPT uses for this, but I don’t think it’ll be my go-to tool for shopping recommendations.

2. Event Recommendations

Prompt/Query: Christmas markets in Delhi

Output:

ChatGPT Search listed out a number of Christmas markets and carnivals running in the city, along with their dates and descriptions. It would’ve been better if the timings were mentioned as well, but I guess I would have to write a more detailed prompt for that. I also noticed that all of these results were picked out from the same listicle/source. This makes the response less comprehensive and I wonder if there are events not yet listed.

3. Train and Flight Booking

Prompt/Query: train to Mumbai

Output:

ChatGPT Search has listed out all the trains running from New Delhi to Mumbai, by detecting my location on its own. It gives the details of each train including the train’s name, number, timing and duration. It also provides external links for booking train tickets, which open up with your specific search query (departure city, arrival city, date, etc.) already put in.

Prompt/Query: cheapest flight to Mumbai tomorrow

Output:

Although ChatGPT Search lists out the different flights, it is sorted based on departure time by default. If I need it sorted any other way, for example, based on price or duration, I would have to specify that in the prompt. Another thing I noticed is that the price mentioned in the response does not match the price mentioned on the source site, making it less reliable for accurate, real-time results.

4. Movie Timings

Prompt/Query: ambiance mall movie timings today

Output:

ChatGPT Search accurately lists out the movies currently playing at the mall along with their show timings. It also provides links to booking sites from where we can purchase tickets online.

5. Image Search

Prompt/Query: pictures of india gate

Output:

While searching for images on ChatGPT Search, it only shows 4 images at a time, with links to external websites to explore further. Although the response comes with a description of what I searched for, there isn’t an option to ask for more images, other than typing in follow-up prompts.

ChatGPT Search vs Google Search

While Google Search has long been the dominant player in the search engine market, ChatGPT Search offers a more conversational and interactive experience. Unlike traditional search engines that present a list of links, ChatGPT Search provides direct answers, summaries, and interactive elements. This saves users from having to sift through multiple pages for the right information.

That being said, Google Search still remains more reliable for real-time information. Also, the user interface of Google, lists out related information such as videos, images, maps, shopping, etc. for the same search query on different tabs. This makes it easier to access extra information without having to type in multiple queries or prompts. ChatGPT Search provides minimal information, to the point, focusing on what exactly is asked in the prompt. This is helpful when you need to get some specific information quickly.

Here’s a basic comparison of what Google Search and ChatGPT Search shows for the same query.

Prompt/Query: Pushpa 2 trailer

ChatGPT Search Result:

Google Search Result:

As you can see here, both Google and ChatGPT give us the option of playing the trailer directly on the same window. While ChatGPT gives a brief description of the movie and goes directly to the video, Google gives a lot more ____ including posters, related images, and a button to book tickets. Further down the side panel, we can also get information about the cast and crew of the movie as well as viewer reviews and ratings. All with just a single query! ChatGPT Search, being more conversational, anticipates further follow-up prompts or queries to give out more information.

ChatGPT Search vs Perplexity.ai

Perplexity.ai, an AI-driven search platform, also delivers conversational responses based on real-time data. However, ChatGPT Search distinguishes itself with its integration of voice interaction capabilities and interactive elements in its responses. ChatGPT Search seems to give more relevant and contextual responses, as compared to Perplexity.ai.

Here’s the result shown by Perplexity.ai for the same prompt we tried above:

As you can see, instead of talking about the movie, the AI search engine focuses more on the prompt and discusses the details of the trailer video. This is irrelevant and non-contextual information from a human or user perspective, which makes it feel like a machine-written response. However, unlike ChatGPT Search, Perplexity.ai gives direct access to related images, videos, and more through buttons, instead of having to type follow-up prompts.

Conclusion

ChatGPT Search is definitely a significant advancement in AI-driven search technology. It offers users a more interactive, efficient, and reliable way to access real-time information. The addition of interactive elements like YouTube videos and Map view in the responses has enhanced the user experience as well. The integration of ChatGPT Search on voice chat, makes it more accessible, especially on-the-go. All of these features ChatGPT Search as a formidable competitor to other AI search engines such as Perplexity.ai. However, despite it’s abilities, it looks like ChatGPT Search has a long way to go before it can compete with traditional search engines like Google.

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K.C. Sabreena Basheer

Sabreena Basheer is an architect-turned-writer who's passionate about documenting anything that interests her. She's currently exploring the world of AI and Data Science as a Content Manager at Analytics Vidhya.