What's happened
OpenAI has launched a new shopping feature in ChatGPT, allowing users to search for and purchase products through natural conversation. This update aims to compete with Google, offering personalized recommendations without sponsored placements. The feature is available to all users and focuses on categories like fashion and electronics as of April 29, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Competitive Landscape
- OpenAI's new shopping feature positions it directly against Google, which has dominated the search and shopping market for years.
- The integration of AI in shopping experiences is becoming increasingly common, with ChatGPT aiming to provide a more conversational and personalized approach.
User Experience
- The feature allows users to ask for product recommendations in a natural language format, making the shopping process more intuitive.
- Unlike traditional search engines, ChatGPT's results are not influenced by paid advertisements, focusing instead on organic recommendations based on user preferences.
Future Implications
- As AI continues to evolve, we can expect more companies to adopt similar features, potentially reshaping the online shopping landscape.
- OpenAI's approach may lead to increased competition, prompting Google and others to innovate further in their offerings.
What the papers say
According to the NY Post, OpenAI's Adam Fry stated that the new shopping feature allows users to shop through ChatGPT, which rivals Google Shopping. He emphasized that the recommendations are based on user preferences and product reviews, not ads. Meanwhile, Ars Technica highlighted that the shopping experience resembles Google Shopping but is more personalized and conversational. TechCrunch noted that this feature is part of OpenAI's broader strategy to compete with Google, aiming to create a better shopping experience for users. The South China Morning Post pointed out that this update has already seen significant user engagement, with over a billion web searches conducted in just a week.
How we got here
OpenAI's introduction of a shopping feature in ChatGPT is part of its strategy to enhance user experience and compete with established platforms like Google Shopping. The feature leverages AI to provide personalized product recommendations based on user preferences and reviews from various sources.
Go deeper
- How does the ChatGPT shopping feature work?
- What products can I buy through ChatGPT?
- How does this compare to Google Shopping?
Common question
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How Does OpenAI's New Shopping Feature Work?
OpenAI has recently introduced a shopping feature in ChatGPT that allows users to search for and purchase products through natural conversation. This innovative approach aims to enhance the online shopping experience by providing personalized recommendations without the clutter of sponsored placements. Below, we explore common questions about this new feature and how it compares to traditional online shopping.
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What is ChatGPT's New Shopping Feature and How Does It Work?
OpenAI has recently introduced a new shopping feature in ChatGPT, transforming the way users search for products online. This innovative tool allows for personalized recommendations and aims to compete with established platforms like Google Shopping. Below, we explore common questions about this feature and how it enhances the shopping experience.
More on these topics
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OpenAI is an artificial intelligence research laboratory consisting of the for-profit corporation OpenAI LP and its parent company, the non-profit OpenAI Inc.
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ChatGPT is a prototype artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI that focuses on usability and dialogue. The chatbot uses a large language model trained with reinforcement learning and is based on the GPT-3.5 architecture.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Google LLC is an American multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products, which include online advertising technologies, a search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware.