ChatGPT search is live — here’s how to try it now

ChatGPT’s AI-Powered Search Tool Debuts: OpenAI has launched a new AI search feature for ChatGPT, aiming to position it as the ultimate destination for answering questions with real-time web information.

Key features and availability: The newly introduced “ChatGPT search” offers enhanced capabilities and broader access to users, marking a significant step in AI-assisted information retrieval.

• Available to ChatGPT Plus subscribers ($20/month) and Teams users, with plans to extend access to Enterprise and Edu plans in November.
• Free users are expected to gain access in early 2025, indicating a phased rollout strategy.
• The tool can be accessed via the ChatGPT website, mobile apps, and web applications, though availability is currently limited in certain regions, including the European Union.

Competitive landscape and partnerships: OpenAI’s move into AI search places it in direct competition with established players and emerging startups in the field.

• The launch positions ChatGPT as a competitor to other AI search options from companies like Perplexity and Google, intensifying the race for dominance in AI-powered information retrieval.
• OpenAI has secured content licensing deals with prominent publishers such as The Atlantic, Vox Media, and Condé Nast, allowing the use of their work for training purposes and potentially enhancing the quality and diversity of search results.

Improvements and current limitations: While the search tool demonstrates advancements over OpenAI’s previous web browsing attempts, it still faces challenges in accuracy and reliability.

• The updated search feature incorporates more interactive elements and provides clearer source attribution, enhancing user experience and transparency.
• However, issues such as hallucinations and citing incorrect information persist, highlighting the ongoing need for refinement in AI-generated responses.

User experience and potential applications: Early impressions of ChatGPT’s search tool reveal both promising features and areas for improvement.

• The search experience is reported to be similar to that of Perplexity, suggesting a level of familiarity for users of other AI search platforms.
• The tool demonstrates the ability to display up-to-date information, such as stock charts, indicating its potential for providing current and relevant data.
• Initial use cases identified include product research and shopping assistance, showcasing the tool’s versatility in practical applications.
• Content restrictions are in place for explicit material, reflecting OpenAI’s efforts to maintain appropriate boundaries in information access.

Ongoing development and industry implications: The introduction of ChatGPT’s search tool signals a significant shift in the AI and search engine landscape.

• OpenAI is expected to continue refining and improving the search experience throughout 2025, indicating a commitment to long-term development and enhancement of the tool.
• The growing importance and competitiveness of AI search underscore its potential to reshape how users access and interact with information online.

Navigating accuracy and ethical concerns: As AI search tools become more prevalent, addressing issues of information accuracy and ethical use remains crucial.

• The persistence of problematic information, such as debunked IQ data, in search results highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring AI systems provide reliable and factual information.
• The development of AI search tools raises important questions about data sourcing, content attribution, and the potential impact on traditional search engines and information ecosystems.

Looking ahead: Balancing innovation and responsibility: As OpenAI and other companies continue to advance AI search capabilities, the industry faces the dual challenge of driving innovation while addressing concerns about accuracy, privacy, and the broader implications of AI-powered information retrieval.