OpenAI has become a name synonymous with innovation in the artificial intelligence (AI) domain. ChatGPT, the company’s flagship large language model (LLM) keeps getting updated with new features and improvements to enhance its performance.
The AI model recently got updated with a web search functionality, kind of like Google, but supposedly “smarter.” The ChatGPT Search feature was introduced in late October 2024.
Announcing the release, OpenAI stated, “ChatGPT can now search the web in a much better way than before. You can get fast, timely answers with links to relevant web sources, which you would have previously needed to go to a search engine for.”
In this article, we will guide you on OpenAI ChatGPT Search, how it works, its key features, and how to access it. Let’s go.
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How OpenAI ChatGPT Search works?
ChatGPT Search uses a fine-tuned version of OpenAI’s GPT-4o model. It is designed to crawl, collect, and present relevant information from the web. OpenAI says that the system integrates data from third-party search providers as well as content from trusted publishing partners, like Reuters, Financial Times, and Vox Media.
Then, the AI model ensures that you receive high-quality, accurate answers by distilling complex information into concise yet detailed responses. The model also provides links to original sources that accompany these answers to ensure credibility. This also gives you a chance to explore beyond the responses.
Plus, ChatGPT can understand follow-up questions and adapt its responses to the ongoing conversation.
Key features of ChatGPT Search
Here are some of the key features of OpenAI ChatGPT Search
- Timely and Relevant Information
ChatGPT Search delivers the latest updates on topics like sports scores, weather, stock prices, and global news. This makes it ideal for seeking fast, reliable updates. - Trusted Sources
The responses that ChatGPT Search churns out include links to credible sources, such as news outlets and blogs. If you click on these links, you will be provided direct access to in-depth information. - Improved Contextual Understanding
ChatGPT takes the entire conversation into account. It is capable of refining its answers based on previous inputs. This feature allows for a more personalized and accurate search experience, making it easier to find the information you need quickly. - Integrated Visuals and Categories
The interface supports categories like weather, maps, and news with visuals for better understanding. For example, weather reports include icons and forecasts, while stock updates come with detailed charts. - Partnerships with Publishers
For the ChatGPT Search feature, OpenAI has collaborated with major publishers such as Associated Press, Hearst, Reuters, Condé, and more.
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How to use ChatGPT Search?
Currently, ChatGPT Search is only available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users and SearchGPT waitlist members. These users can access the feature via the chatgpt.com website or through OpenAI’s desktop and mobile apps. There is also a Chrome extension that allows searching directly from the browser’s URL bar.
In the coming weeks, the feature will be rolled out to Enterprise and Edu users as well. Eventually, OpenAI plans to make it available to all Free tier users as well.
How to use ChatGPT Search as default search engine?
One added benefit is that you can also set ChatGPT Search as your default search engine. This function works on any Chromium-based browser, which includes those that support downloading extensions from the Chrome Web Store. This means you can use ChatGPT not only in Google Chrome but also in other popular browsers like Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Opera.
Here are the steps to make ChatGPT your default search engine:
- Open Google Chrome or your preferred Chromium-based browser.
- Search for the ChatGPT Search extension or use this direct link to add it.
- Confirm the extension has been added successfully by checking your browser’s extensions tab.
- Keep in mind that some browsers might automatically disable the ChatGPT Search extension. To prevent this, add the extension to your favorites tray so ChatGPT remains your default search engine.
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The Bottom Line
With ChatGPT Search, OpenAI has turned ChatGPT into an all-encompassing model with impressive features and functionalities.
Furthermore, OpenAI is planning to enhance its search capabilities, particularly in shopping and travel, by utilizing the advanced reasoning abilities of OpenAI’s o1 series for in-depth research. The company is planning to extend this improved search experience to Advanced Voice, canvas, and eventually, to Free and logged-out users.
