I tried out ChatGPT's Search and Google Should Be Worried.

I tried out Open AI's Search GPT

The battle for search supremacy just got more interesting. While Google has dominated the way we find information online for over two decades, OpenAI's latest ChatGPT feature might finally present a worthy challenger to the search throne. Having gained early access on Day 1 to ChatGPT's new search functionality, I spent a few days putting it through its paces alongside Google to see if this AI-powered upstart could really disrupt our searching habits.

First things first: This isn't just ChatGPT with a sprinkle of web access. OpenAI has fundamentally reimagined how we might interact with the vast expanse of online information. Where Google gives you a list of links and sends you on your way, ChatGPT's search feels more like having a knowledgeable research assistant who's read the entire internet.

The Interface: Less Is More

Gone is the familiar forest of blue links. Instead, ChatGPT presents information in a conversational format, synthesizing data from multiple sources into coherent, natural responses. During my testing, I found myself spending less time bouncing between tabs and more time actually absorbing information.

However, this streamlined approach comes with trade-offs. While Google's traditional interface might seem cluttered, it offers a breadth of options – images, news, shopping, and more – all immediately accessible. ChatGPT's search, while elegant, sometimes feels like trading variety for simplicity.

Real-World Performance

To put both systems through their paces, I tested them with various queries:

Google still had the edge in immediacy and breadth of sources. However, when I asked about understanding complex topics like quantum computing, ChatGPT's ability to synthesize information and explain it at my requested level of expertise was remarkable.

The most striking difference emerged when handling ambiguous queries. When I asked "What's the best way to invest Rs 100000?" Google served up a mix of articles with sometimes contradictory advice. ChatGPT, on the other hand, presented various options and presented notes stating that it depends on my financial goals, risk tolerance, and timeline before providing tailored recommendations backed by current market data.

The Citation Game

One of ChatGPT's most impressive features is its real-time citation of sources. Unlike its previous incarnation, which often left users wondering about the origin of its information, the search-enabled version provides links to its sources inline. During my testing, this feature proved invaluable for fact-checking and diving deeper into topics of interest.

Speed and Reliability

Google's lightning-fast response time remains unmatched. While ChatGPT's search has improved significantly from the early days, there's still a noticeable pause as it processes queries and synthesizes responses. However, the trade-off often feels worth it – you're getting a more complete answer that requires less additional research.

The Privacy Question

Here's where things get interesting. Google's business model relies heavily on advertising and data collection. ChatGPT's search, while currently free for testing, seems positioned as a premium service. This could potentially offer a more privacy-focused alternative to Google's ad-driven model, though OpenAI hasn't made any definitive statements about their long-term privacy policies.

The Verdict

After a few days of parallel testing, it's clear that ChatGPT's search functionality isn't just another OpenAI party trick – it's a legitimate contender in the search space. While it won't replace Google entirely (at least not yet), it excels in scenarios requiring things of interest, shopping research, deep understanding and synthesis of information.

Google remains the go-to for quick facts, news, and traditional web navigation. But for research, learning, and complex queries, ChatGPT's search offers a compelling alternative that often feels more like having a conversation with a knowledgeable friend than using a search engine.

For now, the best strategy might be using both: Google for its speed and breadth, ChatGPT for its depth and analysis. One thing's certain – the search wars are heating up, and we users are the ultimate beneficiaries.