Microsoft’s Bing may become the first search engine powered by generative algorithms, thanks to ChatGPT, a recently launched AI tool from OpenAI. The integration between Bing and ChatGPT’s chatbot capabilities is rumoured to arrive in the coming weeks, with Microsoft employing OpenAI’s GPT-4 language model, which is a faster version of the GPT-3.x machine learning model used by ChatGPT. The speed of GPT-4, which can provide answers to textual prompts in just a matter of seconds, could give Microsoft a fighting chance to challenge Google’s dominance in online search and contextual advertising. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet said users will soon be able to “interact directly with our newest, most powerful language models as a companion to search”, indicating it too is planning to enter the AI chatbot space.

OpenAI has also recently introduced a paid “pilot” subscription named ChatGPT Plus, which will be available to customers in the US. The service will provide conversational AI that can chat, answer questions, and challenge incorrect assumptions. For $20 per month, users will receive benefits such as general access to ChatGPT, faster response times, and priority access to new features and improvements. The paid subscription will help support free access availability and fund OpenAI’s operations and research activities.

OpenAI has received feedback from millions of free ChatGPT users and is already considering the next steps for its evolution, including a mobile app and an Application Programming Interface (API). The free version of ChatGPT will continue to be offered with the same limitations and capabilities. With the integration of ChatGPT into Microsoft’s Bing, the future looks bright for this innovative AI tool, which could soon become a ubiquitous tool for both professionals and consumers.