OpenAI announced on Friday the introduction of a new search engine that will be integrated directly within ChatGPT. This feature allows users to access relevant, real-time search results without leaving the chat interface. By doing so, ChatGPT narrows the competitive gap with Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini, both of which already offer live internet access in AI-based conversations.
During a pre-launch demonstration, Adam Frey, Head of Search at ChatGPT, showcased the new feature by searching for information on Apple stock. The search results appeared interactively, including a stock chart, projected earnings data, and news articles with links to their original sources. Additionally, a side panel was available, allowing users to scroll through relevant websites seamlessly.
The new search engine will be accessible on all ChatGPT platforms: Android, iOS, and desktop apps for macOS and Windows. Frey noted that the functionality was built using a "combination of search technologies," including Microsoft’s Bing search engine.
Until now, ChatGPT's knowledge was limited to data up to either 2021 or 2023, depending on the model. However, even with live search capabilities, OpenAI will continue to update its training data to "ensure our users always have access to the latest advancements."
This launch comes at a time of growing competition in AI-driven search technology. Meta is developing its own AI-powered search solution, and Google recently expanded its overview feature to more than 100 countries. One of ChatGPT’s key advantages over Google Search is the absence of ads or promoted queries at the top of search results. Frey stated that there are "no plans" to introduce ads to ChatGPT, but it remains unclear how OpenAI will fund the service for free users.
However, OpenAI is also facing legal challenges from news organizations, similar to other companies in the AI-driven search space. Frey emphasized the company’s collaborations with news outlets, adding that any publisher can choose to opt out of ChatGPT’s search indexing.