OpenAI has officially launched a search function in ChatGPT, positioning itself as a competitor to Google's search engine. This new feature allows users to obtain quick and timely answers directly within ChatGPT, eliminating the need to use separate search engines. Users can manually initiate a search by clicking the Search icon, enhancing the versatility of ChatGPT's offerings.
Initially available to users of the paid ChatGPT Plus and Team versions, as well as those on the waitlist for the SearchGPT prototype, the search feature will gradually be extended to all free users over the coming months. The search functionality is based on a refined version of OpenAI's flagship GPT-4o model, employing advanced synthetic data generation techniques. It leverages third-party search providers as well as content offered directly by partners.
The search tool's capabilities include providing real-time information on weather, sports, stocks, and maps. For instance, users can access weather forecasts for New York City, track Nvidia (NVDA, Financial) stock prices, or find news articles on topics like the Cuban energy crisis. ChatGPT offers a sidebar with source links for users who wish to explore the information further.
OpenAI has collaborated with numerous publishers to enrich the search function's content, listing partners such as News Corp, Time, Condé Nast, Associated Press, Reuters, and several others. This collaboration aims to enhance the variety and depth of information available to users. Any website or publisher can opt to be included in ChatGPT's search results, and OpenAI invites feedback via email.
The announcement of this new search function on social media has sparked discussions, with some comparing it to Google and AI-powered tools like Perplexity, suggesting a transformation in how search engines integrate AI technology.
