In an effort to compete with Google LLC’s search engine, Microsoft Corp. will integrate ChatGPT with its Bing search engine.

That’s according to Semafor, which said it spoke to people familiar with the matter. They said Microsoft will use OpenAI LLC’s latest iteration of the bot, GPT-4. The one currently being used by much of the planet is the third version. Reports state GPT-4 will have faster response times, and its answer will be more detailed and more human-sounding.

It was recently reported that Microsoft is investing a hefty $10 billion in OpenAI. The company will use ChatGPT’s natural language answers for Bing search queries and possibly use the system to suggest related queries. Meanwhile, OpenAI will use the windfall to carry on its impressive research into artificial intelligence.

Could this be the straw that finally puts pressure on the camel’s back and, for the first time in a long time, offers some competition to Google Search? Microsoft has tried and failed, with Google currently enjoying an 86% to 96% market share in the global search engine market. It seems that Microsoft might finally be in a position to shake up what has been an embarrassingly good run for Google, though there’s a lot Microsoft would need to do to leverage ChatGPT for search.

OpenAI also announced today that it is releasing a paid subscription model for its chatbot called ChatGPT Plus. The current version being used is free and will remain free since OpenAI is using it right now to train the system.

ChatGPT Plus will cost $20 a month, adding to the woes of people who already have so many subscriptions they can barely remember what they’re spending their money on. People might well pay for 20 bucks, though, given that the free version often isn’t available, and OpenAI says the paid version not only shouldn’t do that but will give faster response times. There will also be access to all the new improvements and features that come out.

This will only be available in the U.S. at the start, but OpenAI says it will expand to other countries soon. In the coming weeks, it will start inviting Americans to join a waiting list.

Talking about where it is right now with ChatGPT, the company said, “We’ve made several important updates, and we’ve seen users find value across a range of professional use-cases, including drafting & editing content, brainstorming ideas, programming help, and learning new topics.”

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