OpenAI Introduces New Search Functions to ChatGPT

OpenAI announced on Thursday that it has introduced a range of new search functions to its widely used large language model, ChatGPT, opting to integrate these features directly into the chatbot rather than releasing a separate product.

This move marks OpenAI’s entry into a domain traditionally dominated by Alphabet’s Google, placing it in competition with Microsoft’s Bing—backed by OpenAI—and emerging services such as Perplexity, an AI chatbot firm focused on search and supported by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and semiconductor giant Nvidia.

OpenAI stated that ChatGPT’s search capability will scour the web based on user queries, delivering quick and relevant answers along with links to appropriate web sources.

 “ChatGPT search leverages third-party search providers as well as content directly supplied by our partners to provide the information users seek,“ the company explained in a blog post.

Also Read: OpenAI Launches New Tools to Streamline AI Application Development

The search model is a refined version of GPT-4o, and OpenAI has indicated that all ChatGPT Plus and Team users will have access to it starting Thursday. Enterprise and educational clients will be able to use the features in the coming weeks, with a rollout for free users expected over the following months.

This year, the Sam Altman-led startup has secured content agreements with several publishers, including Condé Nast, Time magazine, the Financial Times, Axel Springer (owner of Business Insider), France’s Le Monde, and Spain’s Prisa Media.

OpenAI noted that it worked closely with the news industry and gathered extensive feedback from its partners regarding the search function, with any website or publisher able to opt in to appear in ChatGPT search results.

In July, OpenAI selectively launched SearchGPT, an AI-powered search engine prototype offering real-time access to internet information.

Earlier in October, OpenAI raised $6.6 billion in funding from investors, potentially valuing the company at $157 billion and reinforcing its status as one of the world’s most valuable private companies.