OpenAI has introduced a new feature called ChatGPT search, which allows users to quickly obtain the latest web search results through a conversational interface and provides related web links. This enhancement enables users to get timely answers directly within ChatGPT without needing to jump to traditional search engines. ChatGPT search combines the advantages of a natural language interface with the value of real-time information, such as sports scores, news, and stock quotes.
Users can choose to have ChatGPT search the web based on their needs or manually click the search icon to initiate a search. This feature will be available on chatgpt.com as well as OpenAI's desktop and mobile applications. Currently, ChatGPT Plus and Team users, along with those on the SearchGPT waitlist, can immediately access this service. Corporate and educational users will gain access in the coming weeks. Over the next few months, all free users will also gradually gain access to this feature.
ChatGPT search aims to simplify the process of obtaining useful answers, which typically requires multiple searches and browsing through links to find high-quality information sources. Now, users can ask questions in a more natural, conversational manner, and ChatGPT can select information from the web to respond, providing better answers based on the full context of the conversation.
Additionally, OpenAI has partnered with news and data providers to add the latest information and new visual designs for categories such as weather, stocks, sports, news, and maps. Search results now include source links, allowing users to directly access news articles, blog posts, and more, for a deeper understanding of the information.
OpenAI emphasizes that ChatGPT search will better highlight and attribute information from trusted news sources, which not only benefits users but also expands the influence of high-quality news producers like Vox Media. By integrating search with a chat interface, users can interact with information in new ways, while content owners gain new opportunities to reach a broader audience.
OpenAI has engaged in extensive collaboration with the news industry and has carefully listened to feedback from global publishing partners including the Associated Press, Axel Springer, Condé Nast, Dotdash Meredith, Financial Times, GEDI, Hearst, Le Monde, News Corp, Prisa (El País), Reuters, The Atlantic, Time, and Vox Media. Any website or publisher can opt to appear in ChatGPT search.
ChatGPT search operates based on a fine-tuned version of GPT-4o, utilizing novel synthetic data generation techniques including output extracted from OpenAI o1-preview. ChatGPT search leverages third-party search providers as well as content directly supplied by partners to deliver the information users need.
OpenAI plans to continue improving the search functionality, particularly in the areas of shopping and travel, and will conduct deeper research using the reasoning capabilities of the OpenAI o1 series. Additionally, the company intends to bring the new search experience to Advanced Voice and Canvas, and in the future, provide the service to free and non-logged-in users.
