OpenAI Expands Its AI-Powered Web Search Tool for ChatGPT Users

OpenAI's ChatGPT Search, an AI-driven web search tool, is now available to all ChatGPT users, equipped with several new features.

This tool is designed to enhance user experience by automatically determining which queries should use ChatGPT Search. Users can also opt to use a new "Search the web" icon located in the ChatGPT interface. When utilized, ChatGPT Search provides summarized answers from various online sources, including “rich” content such as embedded images and videos from platforms like YouTube.

Originally launched in October, ChatGPT Search is an upgraded version of OpenAI's earlier SearchGPT prototype revealed during the summer. Leveraging a fine-tuned version of the GPT-4o model, ChatGPT Search sources data from the web on topics like sports scores, news updates, stock quotes, and much more. Additionally, it provides links to relevant articles, allowing users to ask follow-up questions for deeper insights.

Initially limited to premium ChatGPT subscribers, the search tool is now accessible to non-paying users as well. OpenAI has also announced that ChatGPT Search is faster now and can be set as the default search engine for any web browser. Furthermore, an enhanced mobile experience has been introduced. Users accessing ChatGPT on mobile devices will find improved organization of business information, featuring addresses viewable in Apple Maps and contact numbers.

New Features and Accessibility

Moreover, ChatGPT Search is now compatible with Advanced Voice Mode, OpenAI's real-time conversation feature. In the near future, users will gain the ability to retrieve current web information while utilizing Advanced Voice Mode on both mobile and desktop.

Feedback from tests conducted earlier this year indicated mixed results with ChatGPT Search, but OpenAI continues to refine the feature, seeing it as a vital path forward.

Concerns and Considerations

Despite advancements, the launch of AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT Search has faced criticism from content publishers. These publishers argue that such tools threaten their web traffic by reducing visitor engagement on their actual sites. A recent study suggested that AI Overviews could potentially decrease traffic to publisher websites by around 25% due to diminished emphasis on clickable links.

Taking into account various stakeholders, OpenAI has claimed to adjust how ChatGPT Search assesses the relevance of articles based on user queries. This includes considerations related to the length of summaries and specific quotes that are presented.

Overall, the rollout of ChatGPT Search marks a significant step in OpenAI's efforts to enhance user experience while navigating the web, fostering the capabilities of AI in search functionalities.

AI, Search, ChatGPT