ChatGPT developer OpenAI may be one step closer to creating a third-party search tool that integrates the chatbot into other websites as primary feature. If the project comes to fruition, OpenAI could target Google as both a search engine and web browser.
A source told The Information the project is a search tool called NLWeb, Natural Language Web, and that it is currently in a prototype phase. OpenAI has showcased the prototype to several potential partners in travel, retail, real estate, and food industries, with Conde Nast, Redfin, Eventbrite, and Priceline being named by brand. The tool would enable ChatGPT search features onto the websites of these brands’ products and services.
NLWeb could rival many quickly developing uses Google has developed for its own Gemini AI tools. As OpenAI sparked the AI wars in November 2022, Google was one of many companies to follow with chatbots of its own. Gemini has been fleshed out into not only a knowledgeable AI assistant and writing coach but has been integrated into Google’s search engine to aid users with shopping and travel, among several other tasks.
This seems to be where OpenAI sees an opportunity to challenge Google’s dominance. Statistics note Google’s Chrome browser hoards 66.68% of the global market share in comparison to other browsers. Meanwhile, researchers note that ChatGPT’s global visitors in October 2024 at 3.7 billion rivaled that of Chrome at 3.45 billion. Additionally, ChatGPT’s traffic has been growing steadily since May 2024.
OpenAI recently introduced ChatGPT Search, a search engine feature within its chatbot that allows users to receive real-time answers to queries, such as sports scores, breaking news, and stock quotes. This service has shifted ChatGPT to already become more like Google search, and in turn like Google’s AI tools.
Meanwhile, other reports have noted that Google has recently caught the ire of the Department of Justice (DOJ), which is urging the company to split up its brands by selling the Chrome browser division of its organization. If the ruling came to pass, Google would be banned from the browser market for five years, which would give a competitor ample time to build its footing in the industry.
OpenAI also has “recently considered” developing a proprietary web browser but is “not remotely close” to moving forward with such a project, The Information noted.
Apple is less than a day away from launching its highly anticipated OLED MacBook Pro with a touch-sensitive screen. But it appears that the upgrade is going to cost a pretty penny. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly eyeing a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch version could start at $3,399 in the US.
"At $2,899, the 14-inch model would mark the highest starting price for a new MacBook Pro model, surpassing the $2,799 Apple charged for a 17-inch version introduced in 2006," says the report. The report claims that Apple is targeting a minimum price hike of $400 for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
I've spent a good amount of time digging into the spec sheet of the new M6 MacBook Pro (14-inch), and for all intents and purposes, this is a classic Apple "chip and connectivity" refresh. It's not a full redesign. The chassis, Liquid Retina XDR panel, speakers, ports, and battery, all of them carry over unchanged.
However, the M6 brings more cores, stronger on-device AI, higher memory bandwidth on the larger configs, and modern wireless. Here’s the practical rundown of what actually improved, and whether those gains are worth your money.
Two new highly requested iCloud plugins just got added to ChatGPT, giving people who rely on Apple’s Mail and Calendar services a way to search emails, check appointments, and manage their schedules directly through the chatbot.
The integration is rolling out to all ChatGPT plans, including the free tier. You can access it on the web, desktop, and iOS.