After launching its search engine earlier this month, OpenAI is eyeing to launch its in-house browser, reported the Information. If this to happen, OpenAI will be placed in direct competition with Google Chrome. The report also stated that the OpenAI browser would combine with its chatbot and would deliver much more refined answers and results. The company has discussed its upcoming product with app developers and websites like Conde Nast, Redfin, Eventbrite, and Priceline, who may have previewed its prototype or design, as per the report.
Launching a browser would enhance the company’s reputation, particularly as it is already a leader in artificial intelligence following the release of ChatGPT. Notably, the company has also ventured into the search market with SearchGPT, a feature available to premium users.
A sweet-spot
While OpenAI’s bowser is in the planning phase only, right now it is a sweet spot. As the upcoming browser will be in the race with Google Chrome, the current lawsuit is a cherry on the cake. The US Department of Justice has recommended significant changes to Google’s structure and operations, including the potential sale of its Chrome browser, as part of efforts to dismantle its dominance in internet search. These proposals come after a groundbreaking court decision in August, where a federal judge determined that Google had unlawfully maintained a monopoly over search services.
Google controls about 90 per cent of the online search market and Chrome, a key means of getting Google search in front of internet users, controls more than 50 per cent of the US browser market.
“Google’s unlawful behaviour has deprived rivals not only of critical distribution channels but also distribution partners who could otherwise enable entry into these markets by competitors in new and innovative ways,” the DoJ said.
The ongoing lawsuit against Google, making it sell the Google Chrome, makes it the utmost opportunity for OpenAI to make its move.
SearchGPT
According to the OpenAI, users can get fast, timely answers with links to relevant web sources, which you would have previously needed to go to a search engine for. “This blends the benefits of a natural language interface with the value of up-to-date sports scores, news, stock quotes, and more,” added OpenAI. ChatGPT will choose to search the web based on what you ask, or you can manually choose to search by clicking the web search icon.
It is currently available for all ChatGPT Plus and Team users. OpenAI will also roll out the feature to all its Free users over the coming months.
