AI Search Shake-Up: Microsoft vs Google vs ChatGPT
Microsoft is piloting an AI content marketplace that could pay publishers based on how often AI tools like Copilot use their content, potentially forcing Google and OpenAI to follow suit.
Google is expanding AI travel planning with full itineraries, hotel bookings, dining, and tickets handled in one chat, while Cloudflare has rolled out a tool to block Google's AI Overviews.
On the technical side, ChatGPT quietly changed how it displays search queries, breaking tools overnight, though the search model queries array remains accessible through DevTools.
Microsoft is building an AI content marketplace, which means publishers might finally get paid when AI uses their work. But that's not the only shakeup happening in SEO this week. To start, Google is expanding AI travel planning. We're talking full itineraries, hotel bookings, dining, and tickets, all handled in one AI chat. Brad Brewer from Aentic Hospitality says this is less about search and more about a new canvas interface for trip planning. Meanwhile, Cloudflare just rolled out a tool to block Google's AI overviews without leaving search. That sounds bold, but here's the catch. Google isn't required to honor it. On the technical side, GBT5 quietly changed how it shows search queries. Tools broke overnight, but Nective co-founder Chris Long found a workaround, digging into DevTools to reveal the search model queries array. If you want to know what queries Chad GPT actually runs, that's where to look. By the way, if you don't want to dig through DevTools yourself, check out SE Rankings tools. They surface insights from AIdriven search results so you can stay ahead without all the manual work. And finally,
according to Axios, Microsoft is piloting the publisher content marketplace instead of flat licensing deals publishers would earn based on how often AI tools like Copilot use their content. If this works, it could force Google and Open AAI to follow suit. Though questions remain about tracking usage, fair payment, and legal risks, especially given Microsoft's shaky track record. That's this week in search. Publishers want money. Google wants your vacation plans. And ChachiT's search guts are on full display. Next week, I don't know, maybe another lawsuit, another test, or more reason for SEOs to lose sleep. Subscribe to SE Ranking if you don't want to navigate this whole search whirlwind on your
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“This is less about search and more about a new canvas interface for trip planning.” — Brad Brewer