The wait is finally over! After months of anticipation, OpenAI has officially launched search functionality in ChatGPT, marking a major step in its competition with established search giants like Google and Microsoft Bing. This new feature, powered by the advanced GPT-4 model, is a refined evolution of the SearchGPT prototype introduced earlier this year.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared his excitement on X (formerly Twitter), calling the new search feature “really good.” He encouraged users to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus and install the Chrome extension for an enhanced search experience, reflecting his confidence in its capabilities.
The rollout of ChatGPT search is happening in phases. Currently, ChatGPT Plus and Team subscribers have early access, while enterprise and education customers can expect to gain access in the coming weeks. Free ChatGPT users will be able to explore the new search feature in the months ahead. This functionality is seamlessly integrated across the ChatGPT website and mobile and desktop apps, ensuring a consistent user experience.
OpenAI’s ambitions extend beyond this initial rollout. The company plans to integrate the search feature into its Advanced Voice mode and make it available to users who are not logged in. Additionally, there are plans to enhance the search capabilities, particularly in shopping and travel, leveraging the power of their advanced reasoning models.
This move by OpenAI signifies a significant shift in the search landscape, challenging the dominance of traditional players. With its unique blend of AI-powered conversational search and access to vast amounts of information, ChatGPT is set to revolutionize how users interact with search engines.
