OpenAI has launched a new search functionality for its ChatGPT web application, allowing users to efficiently manage and navigate their chat history. This feature enables users to quickly locate past conversations and references, facilitating seamless integration of previous information into current chats.
Streamlined Access to Past Conversations
OpenAI announced the rollout of the chat history search feature via a post on X (formerly Twitter). This new tool allows users to easily revisit previous chats, either to reference past information or to continue a conversation from where it left off. The feature is being progressively released to all users. ChatGPT Plus and Teams subscribers are expected to have access by the end of the initial launch day, followed by Enterprise and Edu subscribers the following week. Free-tier users will gain access throughout the following month.
Distinguishing Chat History Search from SearchGPT
This new chat history search is different from the SearchGPT prototype released earlier in July. SearchGPT is designed to integrate OpenAI’s AI models with web information, providing timely answers with cited sources, similar to Perplexity’s AI-powered answer engine. Unlike Google’s AI Overview, which summarizes search results, SearchGPT aims to directly answer questions using up-to-date web information, providing clear links to the source material.
Early Sightings and Development
Hints of the in-chat search feature, codenamed “Fanny Pack Chat Sidebar,” surfaced among developers in late August. Tibor Blaho, engineering lead at AIPRM, confirmed the feature’s existence and noted that SearchGPT integration within ChatGPT now features a separate “search tool” flag. This new flag replaces “Web Browsing” with “Web Search” for custom GPTs.
Concerns Regarding Plagiarism and Copyright
Given the plagiarism accusations leveled against Perplexity in 2024, including a lawsuit from News Corp, OpenAI’s adoption of a similar approach raises questions. This is particularly relevant considering OpenAI’s earlier arguments against paying for copyrighted content.
Conclusion
The introduction of searchable chat history in the ChatGPT web app marks a significant improvement in usability and efficiency for users. While the rollout is phased, the feature promises to enhance the overall ChatGPT experience by allowing users to effortlessly leverage their past conversations. However, the potential implications regarding copyright and plagiarism warrant further observation.
ChatGPT chat search
