What happens when you ask AI to describe something it doesn't know? Hallucinations. That’s what I found when I asked the old version of ChatGPT about inkubatour.ch. Then, I tried the latest version—with augmented Web search. The result? Accurate, timely, and real.
This morning I run an experiment with ChatGPT's new Web Search functionality. First I asked the prior version to describe our inkubatour.ch program. Here is the original information on the Web:
I kept it simple, typing: "Write an extended description of the inkubatour.ch program." intor the o1-preview version of ChatGPT. And then I watched as it produced a response that was mostly incorrect. Instead of giving me a straightforward, factual description, the AI dove into an elaborate story about entrepreneurship, mentorship, and workshops—all with colorful but largely fictional details. It was a hallucination, a well-crafted collection of non-existent facts. I couldn't help but laugh:
In the meantime, I had gained access to the new ChatGPT — the one equipped with Web search capabilities.
So, I asked again: "Write an extended description of the inkubatour.ch program."
This time, it was different. Instead of weaving a web of misinformation, the AI provided an accurate, detailed description of the program. The response was filled with precise information about the Inkubatour initiative—its goals, its activities, and how it helps local tourism businesses grow through innovative ideas and support. The details were spot on, sourced directly from the actual inkubatour.ch and seco.admin.ch website and reliable references:
It was a moment that left me a little bluffed. The difference between these two interactions was not just striking—it demonstrated another milestone in the evolution of AI and its interaction with the vast ocean of information that is the Web.
The Power of Web-Augmented AI
Non-web-connected versions of chats —as impressive as it can be—has limitations when it comes to the most up-to-date or niche information. Without real-time data, it's like an encyclopedia from 2021, 2022 or 2023 —rich with general knowledge but lacking in current or specific details.
The new Web-augmented version of ChatGPT changes the game. When I tried the same prompt, I wasn't simply interacting with a language model trained on past data—I was interacting with an AI that could actively search, interpret, and deliver precise, up-to-date information.
The potential of this leap in AI technology is enormous. Imagine you’re a business owner trying to gather insights about the latest market trends—now, you can ask an AI that doesn't just rely on static knowledge but can also gather fresh information from the Web, offering you data-driven insights in real-time. Or think about students who need to research recent topics—instead of sifting through outdated data, they can have an AI assistant that can give them accurate and timely information instantly.
The experiment of asking ChatGPT about inkubatour.ch was a simple one, but the outcome revealed the profound impact of Web-augmented AI. This shift, from isolated AI to web-connected intelligence, brings us closer to a world where our digital assistants can truly keep pace with our curiosity and need for real-time information.
I can’t help but wonder: What’s next?