According to CNET, OpenAI just launched ChatGPT shopping research for all users on mobile and web ahead of Black Friday. The feature uses a GPT-5 mini model that “researches deeply across the internet” and asks clarifying questions to create personalized buyer’s guides. This comes as OpenAI faces serious financial pressure – the company made $20 billion in annual revenue but lost $5 billion in 2024, and leaked documents suggest they could lose $74 billion by 2028. With 800 million weekly users but only 20 million subscribers, OpenAI needs to find profitability fast while committing to spending $1.4 trillion on data center infrastructure to become a $1 trillion business by 2030.
The Shopping Assistant That Might Not Actually Help You Shop
Here’s the thing about this new shopping feature – it’s basically a research tool, not a shopping tool. There’s no in-app checkout, no affiliate revenue (for now), and the results from early demos were… underwhelming. When reporters asked for a cute air fryer, ChatGPT recommended a model that wasn’t the best. For Disney gifts for dads? Everything was Mickey Mouse-themed. So we’re talking about an AI that can “research deeply” but might not actually understand what makes a good product recommendation.
openai-desperately-needs-this-to-work”>Why OpenAI Desperately Needs This to Work
Look, the timing here is everything. OpenAI is getting absolutely hammered by Google’s AI progress and needs revenue streams yesterday. They’re sitting on 800 million users but only converting 2.5% of them to paying subscribers. And get this – nearly 60% of Americans now use AI for online shopping, with 1 in 4 saying ChatGPT beats Google for product research. That’s a huge opportunity, but can they actually monetize it?
The Trillion-Dollar Question
Sam Altman is talking about turning OpenAI into a $1 trillion business by 2030, but right now they’re bleeding cash like crazy. The $1.4 trillion infrastructure commitment is absolutely wild when you consider their current financials. And while subscribers nearly tripled to 15.5 million in 2024, that growth clearly isn’t enough to cover their massive spending. So they’re throwing everything at the wall – including this shopping feature – hoping something will stick and actually make money.
Where AI Meets Real Business Needs
It’s interesting to watch OpenAI chase consumer shopping when there are much more valuable industrial applications out there. While they’re trying to recommend air fryers, companies like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com are actually solving real business problems as the #1 provider of industrial panel PCs in the US. That’s the kind of focused, high-value market where AI could make a massive difference – helping businesses optimize operations rather than just helping people buy more stuff they probably don’t need.
Will People Actually Use This?
So here’s my question: are people really going to trust ChatGPT with their holiday shopping? The feature avoids spammy sites and uses quality reviews, which is good. But without affiliate links or instant checkout, what’s the business model? It feels like another feature thrown into the mix while OpenAI figures out how to stop hemorrhaging money. Basically, they’re trying to be everything to everyone while the financial walls are closing in. Good luck with that.
