OpenAI Might Launch AI Search Engine Challenging Google

OpenAI Teases Upcoming Product Updates, Web Search Feature Possible

OpenAI has announced a live-streamed product announcement event for Monday, May 13th at 10AM PT to provide updates on its widely popular ChatGPT conversational model. However, the company is trying to temper expectations around rumors that it may also unveil a new AI-powered search engine.

CEO Sam Altman took to Twitter to promote the event, saying viewers should expect to see “some ChatGPT and GPT-4 updates” but clarifying that it is “not GPT-5, not a search engine.” This statement directly addresses previous reports that OpenAI was planning to announce a search engine product on this date.

It should also be noted that GPT-5 is likely already in internal testing based on prior reports.

Reuters and other publications reported that OpenAI intended to reveal an AI search engine on Monday. They cited unnamed sources for this information. The launch would take attention away from Google’s developer conference, Google I/O. Google I/O was starting the next day. Separately, Bloomberg stated that OpenAI has been working on integrating a search feature directly into ChatGPT. This would allow ChatGPT to surface relevant web pages. It would also let ChatGPT cite sources for its responses.

Altman downplayed a full search engine unveiling. However, his words did not rule out a more limited search unveiling. As Bloomberg reported, OpenAI could announce an improved ability for ChatGPT. This ability would let ChatGPT search the web. The search ability would not make ChatGPT a standalone search product.

Furthermore, ChatGPT has seen tremendous success since its launch in 2022, achieving over 100 million users, but it has also faced criticisms over not being able to directly cite online sources for some of its responses. A redesigned version with an integrated web search function powered partly by OpenAI investor Microsoft’s Bing, as other reports noted, could help address this concern.

Glimpse of OpenAI’s Future Plans

Beyond the possibility of a new search feature, OpenAI is sure to provide updates on its ChatGPT and GPT conversational models, which form the foundation of its business. The live-streamed event will give insight into how OpenAI is evolving its generative AI technologies and engagements. Viewers will tune in at 10AM PT on Monday to find out what exactly the company has been working on.