OpenAI has introduced a search feature directly within ChatGPT, allowing users to obtain up-to-date, source-linked information from the web. This new functionality is integrated into the chatbot, offering a built-in alternative to search engines like Google and Microsoft’s Bing, with competitors such as Amazon-backed Perplexity also in the field. The search capability, available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, uses a fine-tuned GPT-4 model and will be expanded to free users in the coming months.
Enterprise and education-focused users can expect access shortly, while OpenAI’s content deals with publishers such as Condé Nast, Time, and the Financial Times will enhance the search feature’s information sources. This collaborative approach aims to keep search content relevant and reliable, giving publishers control over their appearance in ChatGPT search results.
OpenAI previously trialed SearchGPT, a prototype search engine with real-time information access, before making this search tool available. With its recent $6.6 billion funding, which could elevate OpenAI’s valuation to $157 billion, the company is positioned as one of the most valuable private tech firms, further solidifying its standing in the competitive AI landscape.