OpenAI's new search feature within its artificial intelligence-powered chatbot ChatGPT, launched last week, could position the company as a competitor to major search engines such as Google and Microsoft’s Bing.
OpenAI said in a blog post that the feature allows users to engage with ChatGPT in a natural, conversational way, making it easy to ask follow-up questions and explore topics in depth without needing to sift through multiple web pages.
Unlike traditional search engines, which primarily rely on keyword-based algorithms to connect queries with relevant web pages, ChatGPT search provides more direct access to information through real-time responses.
By asking a question on ChatGPT search, users can access information such as sports scores, stock quotes, news updates, weather forecasts, and current sources, all within the platform's response. In contrast, using Google often requires users to browse multiple web pages to find the right answer.
Google dominates search market
"While Google and Bing are robust in retrieving vast amounts of information, ChatGPT’s edge lies in its ability to provide a more personalised, interactive experience that resembles consulting a knowledgeable assistant rather than sifting through links," Ajay Dadheech, principal of AI and management consulting lead at World Wide Technology, told The National.
However, the platform might need to incorporate factual accuracy and source transparency at scale to reach the reliability that users have come to expect from traditional search engines, he said.
OpenAI has said that it is addressing the quality aspect through partnerships with top publishers, including Condé Nast, Time magazine, and the Financial Times. Publishers can also opt in to appearing in ChatGPT’s search results.
The tech race
Google currently holds 89.33 per cent of the global search engine market share, followed by Bing at 4.15 per cent, according to independent web analytics company, Statcounter.
OpenAI's new search feature now positions the company as a direct competitor to Microsoft's search engine Bing, despite the tech major's nearly $14 billion investment in OpenAI.
Discussing competitive advantages, Mr Dadheech said that while Google will likely retain its dominant position in the near term, AI-driven search models could gradually eat into its market share, especially among users seeking a conversational or deeper search experience.
"As more people become comfortable with AI-driven interactions, we may see a shift where these models become the go-to for complex queries, advice, and creative problem-solving," Mr Dadheech said.
"However, becoming the default search engine would require ChatGPT to tackle the same challenges that current search engines face, especially in delivering timely, factually accurate, and diverse information."
Moreover, he highlighted the need for ChatGPT to provide an omnichannel experience, integrating with various apps, devices and digital ecosystems.
"While this doesn’t necessarily mean replacing Google or Bing entirely, we might see a scenario where ChatGPT becomes the primary interface for complex, context-driven queries, while traditional engines continue to serve their role in other information retrieval," he said.
However, he added that companies such as Google are also advancing their capabilities.
"It is likely to integrate its own advancements in generative AI within its search ecosystem, which could mitigate any significant market loss," Mr Dadheech added.
2024 Global search engine market share (%)
ChatGPT search is currently only available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users. In the coming months, access will be rolled out to enterprise, education, and free-tier users, OpenAI said.
The tech company's chief executive, Sam Altman, expressed enthusiasm for the new feature on X, calling ChatGPT search his "favourite feature" since the platform's initial release.
He highlighted its ability to simplify complex queries and hinted at future potential, where the system could dynamically generate customised web pages based on user needs. This functionality could blur the lines between traditional search and AI-powered solutions, offering users a streamlined search experience.
Sapping energy
However, ChatGPT’s powerful capabilities come with a trade-off. According to a Goldman Sachs report, a single ChatGPT query consumes nearly 10 times the electricity of a standard Google search.
Mr Altman acknowledged AI's significant energy demands at an event in January, stressing the need for advancements in clean energy to sustain AI’s growing footprint. "There's no way to get there without a breakthrough," he said. "It motivates us to go invest more in fusion."
Last month, OpenAI concluded its latest funding round, achieving a valuation of $157 billion. This included raising $6.6 billion from a diverse array of investment firms and tech giants.
Company%20Profile
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Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
The Florida Project
Director: Sean Baker
Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe
Four stars
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Brief scoreline:
Wales 1
James 5'
Slovakia 0
Man of the Match: Dan James (Wales)
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Previous men's records
- 2:01:39: Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) on 16/9/19 in Berlin
- 2:02:57: Dennis Kimetto (KEN) on 28/09/2014 in Berlin
- 2:03:23: Wilson Kipsang (KEN) on 29/09/2013 in Berlin
- 2:03:38: Patrick Makau (KEN) on 25/09/2011 in Berlin
- 2:03:59: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 28/09/2008 in Berlin
- 2:04:26: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 30/09/2007 in Berlin
- 2:04:55: Paul Tergat (KEN) on 28/09/2003 in Berlin
- 2:05:38: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 14/04/2002 in London
- 2:05:42: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 24/10/1999 in Chicago
- 2:06:05: Ronaldo da Costa (BRA) 20/09/1998 in Berlin
if you go
The flights
Direct flights from the UAE to the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, are available with Air Arabia, (www.airarabia.com) Fly Dubai (www.flydubai.com) or Etihad (www.etihad.com) from Dh1,200 return including taxes. The trek described here started from Jomson, but there are many other start and end point variations depending on how you tailor your trek. To get to Jomson from Kathmandu you must first fly to the lake-side resort town of Pokhara with either Buddha Air (www.buddhaair.com) or Yeti Airlines (www.yetiairlines.com). Both charge around US$240 (Dh880) return. From Pokhara there are early morning flights to Jomson with Yeti Airlines or Simrik Airlines (www.simrikairlines.com) for around US$220 (Dh800) return.
The trek
Restricted area permits (US$500 per person) are required for trekking in the Upper Mustang area. The challenging Meso Kanto pass between Tilcho Lake and Jomson should not be attempted by those without a lot of mountain experience and a good support team. An excellent trekking company with good knowledge of Upper Mustang, the Annaurpuna Circuit and Tilcho Lake area and who can help organise a version of the trek described here is the Nepal-UK run Snow Cat Travel (www.snowcattravel.com). Prices vary widely depending on accommodation types and the level of assistance required.
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
RESULTS
Time; race; prize; distance
4pm: Maiden; (D) Dh150,000; 1,200m
Winner: General Line, Xavier Ziani (jockey), Omar Daraj (trainer)
4.35pm: Maiden (T); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Travis County, Adrie de Vries, Ismail Mohammed
5.10pm: Handicap (D); Dh175,000; 1,200m
Winner: Scrutineer, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
5.45pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Yulong Warrior, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
6.20pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Ejaaby, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson
6.55pm: Handicap (D); Dh160,000; 1,600m
Winner: Storyboard, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Handicap (D); Dh150,000; 2,200m
Winner: Grand Dauphin, Gerald Mosse, Ahmed Al Shemaili
8.05pm: Handicap (T); Dh190,000; 1,800m
Winner: Good Trip, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Biography
Favourite drink: Must have karak chai and Chinese tea every day
Favourite non-Chinese food: Arabic sweets and Indian puri, small round bread of wheat flour
Favourite Chinese dish: Spicy boiled fish or anything cooked by her mother because of its flavour
Best vacation: Returning home to China
Music interests: Enjoys playing the zheng, a string musical instrument
Enjoys reading: Chinese novels, romantic comedies, reading up on business trends, government policy changes
Favourite book: Chairman Mao Zedong’s poems
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The years Ramadan fell in May
Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE squad
Rahul Chopra (captain), Aayan Afzal Khan, Ali Naseer, Aryansh Sharma, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Waseem, Omid Rahman, Rahul Bhatia, Tanish Suri, Vishnu Sukumaran, Vriitya Aravind
Fixtures
Friday, November 1 – Oman v UAE
Sunday, November 3 – UAE v Netherlands
Thursday, November 7 – UAE v Oman
Saturday, November 9 – Netherlands v UAE
