OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Search for all users. Let’s explore how this search engine operates.
ChatGPT has garnered interest from users looking to produce text, images, code, poetry, essays, letters, and even AI-generated videos with Sora. The next step in its evolution is the introduction of search functionality, which is essential in our everyday tasks, with Google currently dominating the market.
A few months back, ChatGPT Search was introduced, but its availability was limited to paid subscribers. Now that it has been rolled out to everyone, all users can access it. To use ChatGPT Search, you’ll need an OpenAI account. Registration does not require a phone number; you can opt for an email alias service like Simple Login or Firefox Relay to enhance your privacy.
How to use ChatGPT Search on the web
1. Go to ChatGPT.com and log into your account.
2. Enter your query in natural language.
3. Hit the Enter key or click on the globe icon to start the search.
4. ChatGPT Search will display relevant results along with citations pointing to the sources of the information.
The same steps are applicable when using ChatGPT Search on mobile; however, you will need the ChatGPT app installed on your phone.
Note: The search function will not be visible unless you are logged into your account.
Adapting to this search method might take some time if you plan to switch to ChatGPT Search as your primary search tool. Usually, users type their queries into Google or other platforms through the search bar or the address bar in a web browser. Initially, using a chat interface for conducting searches may feel atypical, similar to retraining muscle memory, but it effectively mirrors traditional search engine functionality. You don’t need to click the globe icon manually; ChatGPT will either search the internet or pull information from its “trained database,” based on your request. If you wish for it to perform a web search, make sure to use the designated button.
Your searches essentially resemble conversations; OpenAI keeps a record of your chat history, and your data is accessible across devices.
More convenient method for Chromium browsers
OpenAI has introduced an official ChatGPT Search extension for Chrome. To take advantage of this service, you must log into ChatGPT. After installing the extension, it sets ChatGPT as your default search provider. This allows you to enter your queries directly in the browser’s address bar, search box, or by highlighting text with the right-click context menu, with all searches conducted via OpenAI’s platform. This improves the user experience as opposed to repeatedly visiting ChatGPT’s website to start a new conversation.
Currently, the ChatGPT Search extension is not available for Firefox.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search is quite impressive
Instead of displaying a page filled with links and snippets from multiple sources, ChatGPT Search provides a summarized overview of results in a conversational style. The key difference is that ChatGPT Search uses real-time information, unlike OpenAI’s traditional chatbot, which relies on a static dataset that may become outdated.
The results from ChatGPT’s search include sources, and the bot even incorporates relevant inline videos. Users can offer feedback to enhance the accuracy of the results.
I tested the search engine by asking about various topics, including weather, sports, news, and how-to guides. The results were generally satisfactory, though not without limitations, as users lack control over the sources from which the data is drawn.
Additionally, ChatGPT presents images within the summaries, sourced from the sites providing the information.
The concise summaries of search results are clean and easy to digest, delivering informative content. However, it remains uncertain how effectively it will manage misinformation or unverified data. Overall, ChatGPT Search shows promise at this early phase.
A notable feature is the absence of ads within the search results, although that could change in the future.
There is no waitlist for ChatGPT Search; it is available to all users where ChatGPT operates. It works with free accounts as well, so a ChatGPT Plus or Pro subscription is not needed to access the search features. You can watch the product announcement video on OpenAI’s YouTube channel.
Additionally, ChatGPT is now accessible through WhatsApp. You can engage with the bot by calling or chatting at 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478), with more information available on the official website.
Will ChatGPT Search be able to surpass Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot? This is undoubtedly a formidable challenge, but it seems to be well-positioned to compete with these leading players, potentially signaling a new direction for AI-driven search engines.
Do you prefer tailored search results in a chat format or a comprehensive list of results to choose from?
Image Source: Primakov / Shutterstock
