ChatGPT has officially launched its integrated web search feature, enabling users to access real-time internet.
This feature, initially available to paid subscribers and those on the SearchGPT waitlist, will soon be rolled out to free, enterprise, and educational users. Rather than being a separate product, web search is seamlessly incorporated into ChatGPT’s existing platform.
It activates web queries based on user input, although users can also manually request a search, aligning ChatGPT with other AI-powered search tools like Microsoft’s Copilot and Google’s Gemini, both of which already offer real-time web access.
OpenAI recently demoed the feature, showcasing its versatility. ChatGPT’s search lead, Adam Fry, demonstrated the feature by pulling up Apple stock information, including an interactive chart and related news with clickable sources.
In another demo, Fry searched for “Italian restaurants in San Francisco,” and ChatGPT displayed an interactive map with pinned restaurant locations. Users can also refine their search by asking follow-up questions, such as specifying casual dining options. ChatGPT’s search capability is available on all platforms, including iOS, Android, and desktop, and is powered by a combination of technologies, including Microsoft’s Bing.
Until now, ChatGPT’s knowledge base was limited to data from 2021 to 2023, but the new live search feature helps bridge this gap by providing up-to-date information. OpenAI intends to keep refreshing its training data to ensure access to the latest advancements. As AI search intensifies across tech giants, with Meta developing its own AI search capabilities and Google expanding its AI-powered tools, ChatGPT’s entry promises a more streamlined, ad-free experience. Fry noted that ChatGPT has no plans to introduce ads, unlike Google, which relies heavily on ad revenue in search.
This advancement comes amidst legal challenges faced by AI search platforms, with companies like News Corp and The New York Times taking action over copyright concerns. OpenAI has been proactive in securing partnerships with media giants such as Hearst, Condé Nast, Axel Springer, and News Corp to use content responsibly. ChatGPT’s real-time search feature debits just before the U.S. presidential election, so OpenAI aims to prioritize authoritative sources, ensuring users receive reliable and accurate information on critical topics, especially during high-stakes events.
