Observed Signal · Jul 5, 2023 · Market Analysis · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
ChatGPT Attack on Google: Early Impact Assessment
An interim analysis of the impact of OpenAI's ChatGPT on Google's search dominance. Six months after launch, ChatGPT had around 1.8 billion monthly visits, though Similarweb reported a 9.7% drop in worldwide traffic and a 5.7% drop in unique visitors in June 2023. Microsoft integrated GPT-4 into Bing, Edge, Azure and Windows, briefly lifting Bing to over 100 million daily active users in March 2023. However, user interest leveled off after that. ChatGPT has been larger than Bing since February 2023. Google's Bard chatbot remains much smaller and has not launched in the EU due to data protection reasons. Overall, Microsoft's ChatGPT push has not yet seriously shaken Google's search position, but Azure combined with OpenAI offerings is strong.
Analysis of ChatGPT/GPT-4's impact on Google search, Bing, Edge and Bard, a central AI-driven shift affecting search and digital advertising.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- ChatGPT reached around 1.8 billion monthly visits, ranking among the 20 largest websites worldwide.
- Similarweb reported a 9.7% drop in ChatGPT worldwide traffic and a 5.7% drop in unique visitors in June 2023.
- Microsoft's Bing surpassed 100 million daily active users in March 2023 after GPT-4 integration, but usage later leveled off.
- ChatGPT has been larger than Bing.com since February 2023.
- Google Bard remains much smaller than ChatGPT and has not launched in the EU due to data protection concerns.
Connected Companies & Entities
5 Entities mapped“Google tried to steal the show from ChatGPT, OpenAI and Microsoft with its own AI chatbot, Bard....”
“ChatGPT, available at chat.openai.com, has been larger than Bing.com since February 2023....”
“Microsoft, the major investor in OpenAI, tried to integrate the disruptive technology into as many of its services as possible....”
“the browsers from Google and Apple are not in danger because of this – they are still too deeply integrated in the usage behavior or the App...”
“the Similarweb analysts report that something like saturation has set in after the peak in May....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Microsoft Xbox creates new division for films, series, parks
Microsoft's Xbox gaming division announced the creation of a new business unit dedicated to films, television series, and theme park attractions. The move signals an expansion into entertainment and immersive experiences beyond video games, leveraging Xbox's intellectual property. This strategic diversification is part of Microsoft's broader ambition to grow its media and entertainment footprint, following trends seen across the industry. The new division will focus on developing and producing content based on Xbox franchises, potentially opening new revenue streams for the company. Financial details or a timeline for the division's operations have not been disclosed.
US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
Outlook to Block MSIX Files as Email Attachments
Microsoft has announced that Outlook will begin blocking MSIX file attachments, a move aimed at preventing malicious distribution through email. The change affects both the classic Outlook for Windows and the new Outlook for Windows, as well as other clients like Outlook on the web. Microsoft's decision comes in response to the increasing use of MSIX files in phishing and malware attacks. The block will be implemented in phases, starting with a controlled rollout and then expanding to all users. The company advises users to use alternative secured methods for sharing such files. This technical update is part of Microsoft's broader security enhancements for its email clients.
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