ChatGPT, the AI-based search engine arrives for everyone

OpenAI has announced that it is expanding access to ChatGPT’s built-in search engine to all users, including those using the free version. The announcement took place during an online event, at the same time as the presentation of a version optimized for mobile devices and the integration of search with advanced voice mode. Previously only available to paid subscribers starting in October, the search functionality is now accessible to all registered users, regardless of subscription type.

The mobile update introduces a user interface that resembles traditional search engine interfaces. In particular, for searches relating to places of interest, such as restaurants or local attractions, ChatGPT presents a list of results accompanied by images, ratings and opening hours. By selecting a result, the user can view detailed information and a map with driving directions directly within the application. Further optimization aims to speed up searches for specific types of websites, such as those for hotel bookings. Instead of immediately generating a text response, ChatGPT directly provides links to relevant websites, offering faster access to the desired resources.

The advanced voice mode, available exclusively to subscribed users, has been enhanced with the ability to automatically retrieve updated information from the web during voice interaction. These developments follow other recent announcements from OpenAI, including the launch of the Sora image-from-text generation model and the introduction of the ChatGPT Pro subscription at a cost of 229 euros per month. The company therefore continues to invest in expanding ChatGPT’s functionality, with the aim of providing an increasingly complete and versatile tool.