OpenAI has introduced a new feature to ChatGPT, allowing users to leverage the conversational artificial intelligence (AI) model to search the web in real time. According to the Microsoft-backed AI company, users can now receive timely responses enriched with links to relevant sources, eliminating the need to rely solely on traditional search engines. This development, claimed OpenAI, combines the intuitive nature of a conversational AI interface with access to current information such as sports scores, news, and stock quotes.
The search functionality is designed to be activated automatically based on user queries, or users can manually initiate a search using the web search icon. Initially, access is available on the ChatGPT website and via desktop and mobile applications.
Currently, ChatGPT Plus and Team users, along with SearchGPT waitlist participants, have immediate access. Enterprise and Education (Edu) users are expected to receive this feature in the coming weeks, with a broader roll-out to all Free users scheduled over the following months.
As OpenAI points out, finding useful information on the internet typically involves numerous searches and sifting through multiple links to identify reliable sources. This new functionality allows users to ask questions more naturally and receive comprehensive answers, informed by up-to-date web information. Follow-up questions enable deeper exploration, with ChatGPT contextualising the ongoing conversation to refine responses.
In addition, OpenAI has partnered with news and data providers to enhance the service with current information and introduce new visual representations for data categories, such as weather, stock market updates, sports, and maps. Responses now include source links, which users can explore by clicking the “Sources” button displayed beneath the response to access a sidebar of references.
The introduction of search capabilities aims to bridge the gap between conversational AI and online information, enhancing both user engagement and discoverability for content owners. The integration allows users to interact with high-quality online content seamlessly, providing an opportunity for publishers to reach broader audiences. The objective is not only to enrich user experience but also to encourage users to discover new publishers and resources, ultimately expanding the available options for information discovery.
How SearchGPT works and future enhancements
The search feature relies on a refined version of the GPT-4o model, further trained using synthetic data generation methods, including the distillation of outputs from the OpenAI o1-preview. ChatGPT search incorporates information from third-party providers and content provided by OpenAI partners to ensure users receive the most relevant responses.
The search functionality is a result of feedback from the SearchGPT prototype, integrating key elements of the initial experience into ChatGPT. OpenAI plans to continue improving this search feature, particularly for use cases related to shopping and travel, and to leverage the enhanced reasoning capabilities of the OpenAI o1 series for more in-depth research. There are also future plans to extend the new search capabilities to Advanced Voice features, canvas tools, and all users, including Free and those who are not logged in.
Overview of other AI search engines
Beyond ChatGPT, the AI-powered search engine market is rapidly expanding, with a range of platforms introducing unique features. Google’s AI Overviews enhance traditional search results by providing concise, AI-generated summaries for easier access to information.
Perplexity AI offers a conversational interface that cites reliable sources, ensuring transparency and accuracy in its responses. Microsoft’s Bing integrates AI to create a more interactive and personalised user experience.
Brave Search appeals to privacy-conscious users by delivering ad-free results without tracking. Andi Search also prioritises privacy and employs semantic search technology to generate precise results.
Komo AI focuses on efficiency, helping users find information quickly, while Phind caters specifically to developers, providing technical insights and coding support. DuckDuckGo’s DuckAssist uses AI to produce quick, private information summaries.
Read more: OpenAI announces AI search engine SearchGPT
