Google Search Generative Experience vs. OpenAI SearchGPT: Understanding the Differences
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is radically transforming our interaction with online search. Two emerging technologies, Search Generative Experience (SGE) and SearchGPT, promise to redefine how we find and consume information. This article explores these two approaches in detail, highlighting their similarities, differences, and potential impact.
What is Search Generative Experience (SGE)?
Developed by Google, SGE represents a major advancement in how search results are presented.
Instead of simply displaying a list of links, SGE uses generative AI to provide synthetic and contextual answers directly in the search results.
For example, a search for “how to make an apple pie” might generate not only links to recipes but also a summary of key steps, necessary ingredients, and even baking tips.
“SGE aims to transform search into a more conversational and intuitive experience by providing complete and relevant answers directly in the results.”
What is SearchGPT?
SearchGPT, on the other hand, is a language model developed by OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. It is designed to understand complex queries and generate detailed textual responses, often accompanied by citations and links to sources.
Thus, SearchGPT seeks to offer a more interactive search experience, where the user can ask follow-up questions and receive clarifications.
“SearchGPT offers a dialogue-focused approach, allowing users to explore a topic by asking successive questions and receiving contextualized answers.”
Read also: Gemini 2.0 Flash: Google’s Revolutionary AI
Key Similarities and Differences
On one hand, SGE and SearchGPT share a common goal: improving the search experience using generative AI.
On the other hand, their approaches and applications differ.
| Feature | SGE | SearchGPT |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | OpenAI | |
| Main Objective | Improve the presentation of search results | Generate detailed textual responses |
| Integration | Integrated into Google Search | Standalone language model |
| Response Style | Synthetic, focused on conciseness | Detailed, with citations and links |
Furthermore, a notable difference lies in their integration.
SGE is integrated directly into the Google search engine, modifying the appearance and behavior of the results pages.
In contrast, SearchGPT is a language model that can be used in various applications, including chatbots, virtual assistants, or specialized search platforms.
“The direct integration of SGE into Google Search gives it an advantage in terms of accessibility and mass adoption.” – According to a recent market study.
Finally, the emphasis on presentation is also a distinguishing factor. SGE favors concise summaries and structured information, while SearchGPT tends towards more narrative and explanatory responses.
How to Access Search Generative Experience (SGE):
Access to the Search Generative Experience (SGE), currently in the testing phase, is currently limited to the United States.
However, there is a method that potentially allows access from other regions. This procedure involves several steps.
First, it is necessary to use a personal Gmail account (@gmail.com) and connect it to your Google Chrome browser. Google Workspace accounts are not compatible with this method.
Next, the language of Chrome must be set to English (“English”) as the primary language, both for the interface and for searches.
The use of a virtual private network (VPN) is also essential to simulate a connection from a server located in the United States, the geographical area where SGE is accessible.
After activating the VPN, you need to go to the Google Labs website and register on the waiting list.
Once access is granted, usually within a few days, a confirmation email is sent, allowing the activation of SGE.
A distinctive icon, representing an Erlenmeyer flask, will then appear in the browser, allowing you to test this new search experience.