OpenAI is taking another step toward turning ChatGPT into a full-fledged consumer search engine. On Tuesday, the developers announced the launch of the beta version of Business Hub — a special platform that will allow companies to manage their presence within the neural network, similar to business profiles in Google.
TechCrunch writes about this.
Thanks to the new tool, businesses can verify their brand and independently update current information about their own goods and services.
Those who meet the company's requirements will have the opportunity to launch specialized bots. ChatGPT users will be able to ask them direct questions about the company's products, services, or terms of operation.
What opportunities businesses will receive
By analogy with Google Analytics, the hub will provide access to statistics on user interaction with the brand. Entrepreneurs will see the number of profile views, business mentions in queries, transitions to the website, and other metrics.
To create a profile, companies will have to go through a verification procedure. As noted by OpenAI's Vice President of Monetization, Benji Shomair, separate verification methods will be used for different types of businesses and markets.
"Since people are increasingly turning to AI to search for products, compare options, and make decisions, ChatGPT has become a platform for connection between users and businesses," OpenAI notes.
From online trading to a search platform
This is not OpenAI's first attempt to enter the online commerce market. Previously, the company tried to turn ChatGPT into a direct analog of Amazon by adding the ability to buy goods directly through the chatbot (in particular, using a "shopping cart" and a commission system). However, this project did not meet expectations and was finally closed in March.
Now OpenAI is changing focus: instead of a direct marketplace, the company is betting on Google's model, becoming the main information intermediary between the buyer and the business.