OpenAI has officially launched a search feature within ChatGPT, allowing it to compete directly with search engines like Google, Microsoft’s Bing, and Perplexity. Originally tested in July under the name SearchGPT, this feature now provides real-time information, such as sports scores, stock prices, news updates, and weather, powered by web search and data partnerships.
The launch follows a recent funding round valuing OpenAI at $157 billion and securing a $4 billion line of credit. This added search capability may pose new competition for Google, especially as investors question if OpenAI’s approach could capture search market share. Alphabet’s stock saw a slight dip following the announcement.
Microsoft, which has invested around $14 billion in OpenAI, faces competition with this release as OpenAI’s tools, like ChatGPT search, rival Microsoft’s AI offerings, including Bing and Copilot. In a recent Reddit AMA, OpenAI’s VP of engineering, Srinivas Narayanan, confirmed that ChatGPT search utilizes multiple search providers, including Bing.
CEO Sam Altman shared that ChatGPT’s search feature is his “favorite” new addition, as it allows for a more conversational, intuitive search experience and complex queries. The feature, based on OpenAI’s GPT-4o model and feedback from the SearchGPT prototype, includes capabilities like direct linking to sources from partners such as The Associated Press, Reuters, and Vox Media.
Currently available to ChatGPT Plus, Team users, and SearchGPT waitlisted users, ChatGPT search will gradually expand to other versions, with free access rolling out over the coming months.
