OpenAI Nears Launch of Search Engine... Direct Challenge to 'King' Google

Google's Largest Event 'Annual Developer Conference' Revealed the Day Before

OpenAI, the developer of the generative artificial intelligence (AI) ChatGPT, is set to launch an AI-based search engine on the 13th (local time), directly challenging the "search king" Google, according to major foreign media reports.

Earlier, Bloomberg and The Information reported that OpenAI is developing a search engine as an extended version of ChatGPT. This is the first time a specific launch date has been announced.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI [Photo by Yonhap News]

Foreign media stated, "(OpenAI) will announce it a day before Google's biggest event, the annual developer conference (IO), where Google is expected to unveil numerous AI-related products."

According to StatCounter, Google's global search market share last month was 90.91%, down 1.91 percentage points compared to the same month last year. At this event, Google is expected to reveal various product news, including new plans related to its generative AI Gemini. By unveiling a product targeting Google ahead of Google's biggest event, OpenAI aims to divert attention and engage in a direct confrontation.

OpenAI's AI search service is expected to display web search results within ChatGPT, providing sources and other features. It will also show search results as images.

OpenAI ignited the AI competition by launching ChatGPT, but recently, competitors have been rushing to release AI chatbot services, increasing pressure on OpenAI to expand its user base and strengthen service competitiveness.

Although Google's market share in the search market is overwhelming, AI search services have recently gained attention. AI startup Perplexity AI was valued at $1 billion (approximately 1.366 trillion KRW) for its AI-based search service Perplexity, which offers high accuracy and citations. Additionally, Microsoft (MS) Bing, which introduced generative AI features, recorded a market share of 3.64%, up 0.88 percentage points compared to the same month last year. With OpenAI joining the competition, a major shift could occur in the search market.