OpenAI is taking its competition with Alphabet Inc.’s Google to the next level by launching a new search product for its widely used chatbot, ChatGPT. Starting 16th December, OpenAI has made the ChatGPT search feature available to all users logged in through the company’s mobile apps and website. It extends the chatbot in ways that have users have ready access to web search in ChatGPT itself; something previously a privilege reserved only for the paid subscribers is being leveled by OpenAI further embedding it with its goal to implement generative AI through every application it offers.
A new era of search
With the release of ChatGPT search, the company has reached an important stage in its history with respect to disrupting the internet search ecosystem dominated by Google. However, for many tech companies, their plan to change user experience revolved around the huge viral hit of generative AI that ended in late 2022.
OpenAI is pushing its chatbot, ChatGPT search, to all users during a time when some tech giants, such as Microsoft Corp., are overhauling search offerings to be more conversational AI features. Therefore, its updates are making the engine more intuitive and interactive-from keyword-based searches toward the more dynamic question-and-answer interactions.
How ChatGPT search works
With ChatGPT search, users can have a much more personalized conversation with the chatbot. The users can ask any question, and they will receive a rich, contextual response. To illustrate this, a user may want to see a guide to planning a trip to Amalfi Coast, and ChatGPT will give not just tourist information but also recommendations depending on the time of day and the weather forecast. So, this level of interactivity makes search engine interaction more conversational with someone who has a knowledge background and less of a query-and-response type of interaction.
Making it your default search engine
To make the new search product more accessible, OpenAI has added an option for users to set ChatGPT search as their default search engine in their web browser settings. This feature allows users to search the web through ChatGPT each time they search the web, thereby taking advantage of the chatbot’s conversational interface. This integration will fundamentally change the user experience so that a more integrated, seamless search for information over the internet can be executed. If one wants information on how to travel, products recommendations, or even some tips on a technical issue, ChatGPT hopes to make browsing more enjoyable and personalized.
Global availability
As announced recently, OpenAI had taken measures to open access for all users to logged-in ChatGPT on an international basis to this powerful search product known as SearchGPT. Consequently, with these upgraded and additional features being in use around your ChatGPT, whatever geographical location and/or electronic equipment being employed, access now shall remain relatively simpler on your ChatGPT app towards superior search facility tools more efficiently delivered.
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Expanding the ChatGPT ecosystem
The rollout of ChatGPT search is part of an overall strategy by OpenAI to expand its chatbot’s ecosystem. This was demonstrated when OpenAI made an announcement at an event introducing a new subscription tier called ChatGPT Pro, meant to bring users more advanced features and faster response times. On top of this, the company introduced Sora, an AI video generation tool, that takes the abilities of ChatGPT a step further. Subsequently, these developments underscore OpenAI’s commitment to making its technology accessible across various platforms and services, from text-based chat to video content creation.