On Thursday, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Search, an artificial intelligence (AI) powered search feature for its chatbot. This rollout follows a period of speculation regarding the previous SearchGPT waitlist. The new web search capability enables users to conduct searches on various topics and receive responses formulated in natural language, drawing from information obtained across multiple websites. This feature has been seamlessly integrated into the ChatGPT interface and can be activated either manually or automatically. Currently, ChatGPT Search is being made available to subscribers paying for the AI chatbot service.
OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Search
In a blog post, OpenAI provided insights into the newly introduced web search feature for ChatGPT. Previous reports had indicated that the AI firm was developing its own search engine to lessen dependence on external search providers. This enhancement addresses a significant need, particularly when compared to other AI chatbots like Gemini and Copilot, which can perform web searches based on user inquiries.
Importantly, the GPT-4o model did possess real-time web search capabilities; however, there were two limitations. The information pulled from the internet was blended into the overall conversation, leading users to find it difficult to discern whether the data stemmed from the AI’s internal datasets or external sources. Additionally, there was no direct method for users to initiate a web search.
ChatGPT Search feature
The new ChatGPT Search feature addresses these limitations head-on. Users will find a globe icon situated next to the ‘Attach file’ icon in the text input area. By clicking this globe icon, the web search mode can be manually activated, allowing the chatbot to generate responses solely based on web-sourced information. Furthermore, OpenAI indicated that the search mode will automatically engage when it deems it relevant to a user’s query. With the launch of ChatGPT Search, OpenAI positions itself in competition with platforms like Perplexity AI and Google’s AI Overviews.
Initial tests conducted by the Gadgets 360 team showed that the feature operates with impressive speed and responsiveness. Even when searching through multiple sources for a query, output generation consistently began within seconds. The tool places a strong emphasis on citations; each source is referenced in two distinct manners. After each sentence utilizing external information, a citation is provided, with a more detailed reference located at the conclusion of the response.
The detailed citation includes both the website and the article title, while the inline citation appears in a compact format, allowing users to click through to the original source.
Currently, ChatGPT Plus and Teams users, along with those who registered for the SearchGPT waitlist, will have access to this web search feature. Users in the Enterprise and Edu tiers are expected to gain access in the upcoming weeks, while those on the free tier will receive the feature in the months ahead.
