SAN FRANCISCO: OpenAI introduced new search capabilities for its widely used large language model, ChatGPT, opting to integrate this feature directly into the chatbot rather than launching it as a separate product.
This move places OpenAI in competition with Google, Microsoft’s Bing, and emerging AI-driven services like Perplexity, which is backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Nvidia.
OpenAI stated that ChatGPT’s search function will explore the web based on user queries, delivering quick and relevant answers along with links to appropriate sources. “ChatGPT search utilizes third-party search providers and content from our partners to deliver the information users seek,” OpenAI explained in a blog post.
The search model is a refined version of GPT-4o, and all ChatGPT Plus and Team users will gain access starting Thursday. Enterprise and educational users will receive the features in the coming weeks, with plans to roll them out to free users over the next few months.
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This year, the Sam Altman-led startup has formed content agreements with several publishers, including Condé Nast, Time magazine, the Financial Times, Axel Springer, Le Monde, and Prisa Media. OpenAI has worked closely with the news industry and gathered feedback from partners regarding the search function, allowing any website or publisher to opt in to appear in ChatGPT search results.
In July, OpenAI initially launched SearchGPT, an AI-driven search engine prototype with real-time internet access. Earlier in October, the company secured $6.6 billion in funding from investors, potentially valuing it at $157 billion and solidifying its status as one of the most valuable private companies globally.