On December 16, OpenAI announced that its ChatGPT Search feature is now available for free to all account holders. Previously, this web search tool was restricted to subscribers. The company also revealed improvements aimed at enhancing speed and efficiency, including a real-time voice interaction feature.
Kevin Weil, OpenAI's product director, stated, "We launched the search feature about two months ago for our paid users. Now, I can't imagine ChatGPT without the search functionality: I use it all the time." The ChatGPT Search is accessible globally across all platforms, including mobile apps, desktop, and web browsers.
Using the AI chatbot for searches is similar to asking any other question. ChatGPT recognizes queries that require up-to-date web information and responds with near real-time data. There is also a specific button that allows users to force the application to search the internet.
However, challenges remain with using large language model-based AI systems for web searches. These models do not inherently understand questions or the nature of reality; they function as probabilistic engines that provide likely answers but can make mistakes or present incorrect information.
Users can set ChatGPT as their default search engine through a control in the platform's interface, and it can also be used as a navigation tool. For commercial searches, the chatbot displays a visual list of options, such as restaurants, complete with ratings, estimated costs, and operating hours, along with a map view showing their locations.
ChatGPT's ability to understand context allows users to refine searches by adding more elements, such as "restaurants with outdoor seating," without needing to repeat the initial query. This feature enhances its utility compared to standard Google searches, although Google's AI engine, Gemini, is expected to offer similar capabilities soon.
OpenAI also highlighted a future real-time audio experience, enabling users to converse with ChatGPT as if talking to a friend, allowing for richer interactions and insights as conversations progress.