OpenAI has officially made its AI search engine available to everyone. Starting today, both free and paid users of ChatGPT can tap into the new feature, marking a significant step in OpenAI’s quest to make AI a central part of daily life.
Unveiled during OpenAI’s “12 Days of Ship-mas” livestream event, this rollout also introduces upgrades to the mobile version of the search engine and new capabilities in Advanced Voice Mode.
What’s New with ChatGPT’s Search Engine?
ChatGPT’s search engine debuted in October, initially limited to paid subscribers. Now, free-tier users can explore the tool too, provided they’re logged into their accounts.
Here’s what’s been added:
- Enhanced Search for Mobile Users: Mobile users now get a search experience closer to traditional search engines. For example, when looking up attractions, ChatGPT will display:
- A list of results
- A clickable map for directions
- Quick Access to Websites: Need to make a reservation? ChatGPT now prioritizes showing relevant links before crafting detailed summaries. This saves time and caters to users looking for quick answers.
- Advanced Voice Mode: Paid users can utilize Advanced Voice Mode to retrieve real-time updates directly from the web.
How ChatGPT Stacks Up Against Traditional Search Engines
ChatGPT is not your typical search engine. It blends conversational AI with traditional search functionalities. Instead of just showing links, it offers detailed explanations, making it ideal for complex queries.
But, as with any innovation, there are challenges:
- Accuracy Issues: Like other generative AI tools, ChatGPT’s search results can sometimes be inconsistent or inaccurate.
- Advanced Voice Mode Restrictions: This feature is reserved for paid users, limiting accessibility for free-tier subscribers.
Real-Life Example: Finding Your Next Favorite Restaurant
Imagine you’re planning a dinner outing in a new city. Instead of combing through endless reviews online, you could simply type, “What are some top-rated Italian restaurants near me?” ChatGPT would present you with a clean list of options, complete with pictures, ratings, and hours. Want directions? Just click, and the app provides them on the spot.
Sora and Pro Subscriptions
The search engine update isn’t the only news from OpenAI. The company has also:
- Launched Sora, a powerful text-to-image model, making it easier to generate visuals from text prompts.
- Introduced a premium ChatGPT Pro subscription priced at $200 per month, targeting power users and businesses seeking advanced features.
Is ChatGPT Search for You?
If you’re a casual user looking for local hotspots or a paid subscriber needing up-to-date web data, ChatGPT’s new features aim to simplify your search experience. It’s still evolving, but these updates signal a strong push toward making AI an everyday tool.
What to Watch Out For
As ChatGPT’s search engine develops, here are some potential areas to explore:
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- Will the free tier include more advanced features in the future?
- How will OpenAI address the accuracy of search results?
- Could we see further integrations, like pairing ChatGPT with other apps?
