ChatGPT’s powerful search feature, previously a perk for paid subscribers, is now available to all users worldwide at no cost. OpenAI announced this significant update during its “12 Days of OpenAI” livestream event. This means everyone can now leverage the internet searching capabilities of ChatGPT, regardless of their subscription status.
This free access allows users to tap into real-time information directly within their ChatGPT conversations. The tool scours the web, gathers relevant data, and presents it in a conversational format, eliminating the need to sift through traditional search results pages. It mirrors the functionality offered by Perplexity AI, increasing competition in the AI-powered search arena.
OpenAI Chief Product Officer, Kevin Weil, expressed his enthusiasm for the feature during the announcement, stating, “I can’t imagine ChatGPT without Search now. I use it so often.” He highlighted the integration of search with Advanced Voice Mode and its global availability across all platforms.
While OpenAI champions the value of ChatGPT Search, a recent study by Columbia University’s Tow Center for Digital Journalism raises concerns about its accuracy. Researchers found that the feature provided “confidently wrong” answers in numerous instances. The study involved testing the tool’s ability to identify the original source of quotes from 20 publishers. ChatGPT frequently failed to accurately pinpoint the source, often providing incorrect responses without acknowledging its limitations. Out of 200 tested quotes, ChatGPT returned partially or entirely incorrect responses 153 times, only admitting its inability to answer accurately on seven occasions.
This release marks the eighth day of OpenAI’s “12 Days of OpenAI” event. Previous announcements have included the full version of the o1 reasoning model, a $200/month Pro tier subscription, organizational Projects, video capabilities for Advanced Voice Mode, updates to Canvas, and the introduction of the Sora video generation model. This latest update makes ChatGPT Search a more accessible tool for everyone, potentially revolutionizing how people interact with information online.
This expansion of free access to ChatGPT Search marks a significant step in the evolution of AI-powered search tools and underscores OpenAI’s commitment to broadening access to its advanced technologies. While the accuracy concerns highlighted by the Columbia University study remain a point of consideration, the widespread availability of ChatGPT Search offers a valuable opportunity for users to experience and evaluate this innovative tool firsthand.
