ChatGPT adds shopping help, intensifying Google rivalry

Core Insights - OpenAI is enhancing its ChatGPT tool to assist users in online shopping, aiming to compete with Google amid regulatory scrutiny of Google's market dominance [3][4] - The new shopping feature allows users to find and compare products through natural conversation, marking a significant shift in how consumers interact with search tools [5][6] Group 1: OpenAI's Strategy - The introduction of the shopping capability positions OpenAI to challenge Google's long-held control over the search engine market [4][6] - OpenAI reported that search has become one of its most popular features, with over 1 billion web searches conducted in just the past week [4][6] Group 2: Features and Focus Areas - The shopping feature currently emphasizes categories such as fashion, beauty, and home electronics, providing personalized product recommendations sourced from the web rather than advertisements [6] - Users can engage in conversations to find products, ask follow-up questions, and compare items, streamlining the shopping experience [5][6] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - In response to OpenAI's advancements, Google has integrated its Gemini assistant into search results, offering AI-generated answers above traditional links [6] - The competitive tension escalated when an OpenAI executive indicated the company might consider acquiring Chrome if Google were compelled to sell it due to ongoing antitrust issues [7]