ChatGPT Search: The (maybe? probably?) Google Search-killer is finally popping up on free ChatGPT accounts. Check yours: Log into ChatGPT and look for the world icon at the bottom. Here’s what it’s best for.
ChatGPT’s new search engine is here
When ChatGPT launched on Nov. 30, 2022, I knew the web — and the world — would change forever. A week later, I predicted on national radio Google’s days would be numbered. People laughed at me, and I got notes from listeners telling me I was nuts.
Last week, OpenAI made its ChatGPT search engine, SearchGPT, available for paid subscribers. Let me tell you, Google isn’t dead yet, but it’s suffered a mortal wound.
I hate to say it, but I told ya so.
‘What’s the big deal?’
Google Search officially launched on Sept. 4, 1998. It was awesome for a long time, but over the last five to seven years, it’s gotten consistently worse. Results are stuffed with spam and sites rigging the system. Cybercriminals sneak in malware, and scammers aren’t banned from buying ads to dupe people.
Earlier this year, Google added an AI Overview feature within Search, and it’s supposed to be their whiz-bang Gemini solution. I know a few folks in their twenties who worked for the company hired to fix Gemini’s answers. That’s why Gemini often provides responses based on an individual’s agenda, political stance and morals.
Until SearchGPT, ChatGPT’s answers were based on sets of data fed into the platform over time. Now, OpenAI has partnered with providers for news, maps, stocks, weather and sports information. Heads-up: Anything behind a paywall stays off-limits.
‘What should I use it for?’
Anything you’d search for on Google. It’s a totally different vibe, really. Google Search is loaded with ads, and Bing isn’t much better. On SearchGPT, you get a cleaner experience without all the clutter. Take a look:
Note that it knew I was in Phoenix based on my computer’s IP address. I love that it tells me which TV and radio stations are broadcasting the game, too.
Here’s another example of SearchGPT in use:
Quick tech tricks: Save printer ink, avoid malware, speed browsing and more
You need a timer, and you need it fast. Do a Google search for “timer” and one appears right there for you to use. There’s a stopwatch option, too. Easy, right?
Here’s another smart tech tip I’m surprised so many people mess up. Most people fill in the email recipient section before writing the message. That’s a mistake. Make that your very last step — that way, there’s a much lower chance you’ll send an email before it’s truly ready to send.
Google Search is dying
Younger people are turning to AI chatbots, TikTok and Reddit for answers instead. Gen-Z is also sticking with older cars to avoid new tech and high costs. Plus, Chipotle is using robots for avocado prep, and we’ll show you how to turn your smart TV into a photo frame.
🚨 “Are Bengal cats legal in Australia?” Type that into Google Search and you’re in trouble. Hackers are creating fake websites and hijacking real ones to land at the top for popular search terms. No kidding, cat sites are a big target. Once you’re there, the goal is to get you to download a zip file. Safety first: Never download anything from a website you stumbled upon.
Trending now on Komando.com and Kim’s free podcasts
Humble brag: I do a lot. Between the national radio show, this newsletter, my website, podcasts, Sirius XM show and columns for sites like the Daily Mail, Fox and USA Today … I’m willing to bet you missed something.
5,000% jump
In Google searches for “tonies set.” They’re the hot Christmas gift for little ones. Tonieboxes are $99 screen-free wireless speakers. To start a story, pop a Tonie doll on top (that costs extra). The starter set with Disney princesses is $154, dang. How do I get a Kim Komando Toniebox?
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Search upgrades: This trick works in Google or your favorite search engine. Use an asterisk (*) to fill in for a word you don’t know, like “Midnight * to Georgia.” If there’s a word you want to keep out of your search, put a minus sign (-) in front of it. “Kim tech tips -Kardashian” means you won’t see the other Kim K. in your results.
💀 Google Search is dead: OpenAI added a search function to ChatGPT for up-to-the-minute news, weather, sports scores — you name it — without ads or scrolling. It’s live now for ChatGPT Plus and Team subscribers; free access will come within the next few months. I predicted Google’s demise two years ago, and people laughed at me.
Quote me on this: It used to be that putting a term in quotes told Google, “I want this exact thing.” Not anymore. The new way: Open Google in your browser, do a search, then click the Tools menu. Click All results > Verbatim. You’ll have to do this each time you want an exact search.
Cool new Google search trick: Open your camera, point it at something (like a tree), ask a question (e.g., “What fruit is this?”) and Google Lens will find the answer. To use it, opt into AI Overviews here. Yeah, they’re desperate to keep up with OpenAI.
🔍 Google’s ultimatum for website owners: In short, “Let us use all your website’s content for AI search results for free or we’ll never send you any more traffic from Google Search.” And, yes, since Google feeds its search results to 93% of all sites, your site will be dead if you don’t agree. How is this not illegal?
On the tip of your tongue: Most people don’t know you can use an asterisk in your Google search as a placeholder. For instance, if you type “* me down to the * city,” Google fills in the blanks and gives results for Guns N’ Roses’ “Paradise City.”
You can unsee that: Search for something potentially risky online? You can quickly delete the last 15 minutes of your Google search history on Android. Open the Google app, tap on your profile icon in the top right, and select Delete last 15 minutes.
The age of websites comes to a close
Artificial intelligence is quickly transforming how we use the internet. If you rely on Google Search for clicks to your website, you might be in for a surprise.
7% to 9% of results
On Google Search have an AI Overviews response. That’s when Google’s AI drums up an answer right at the top for you to skim. No surprise, Reddit posts fell out of the cited info big time after Redditors’ sarcastic and/or ridiculous replies made their way into Google’s real answers.
Hotel booking scam: If you’re planning a trip, scammers are buying up Google search results with legit-looking hotel and travel sites. They’ll take your info and leave you nothing but a hefty credit card bill. Double-check URLs for typos, and don’t trust a site just because it popped up first in your search results. Chances are, it’s a sponsored ad.
Google Search is changing
Web traffic is dying, and now Google is putting AI answers at the top of its search results. What does this mean for your favorite websites? Plus, Uber’s new shuttle service, Tesla drivers ditch self-driving mode, and Jeff Bezos’ email etiquette.
Ask Me(ta) anything: Meta just added its AI chatbot to the search bar on Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp. Ask it anything you’d ask a search engine. Google Search is so dead. Access Meta’s chatbot without logging in at meta.ai.