OpenAI has unveiled ChatGPT Search for all users. Let’s delve into the functionality of this search engine.
ChatGPT has attracted the attention of individuals seeking to generate text, visuals, code, poetry, essays, letters, and even AI-generated videos with Sora. The forthcoming advancement in its development is the rollout of search capabilities, which is vital for our daily activities, especially with Google currently leading the sector.
A few months ago, ChatGPT Search was launched, but initially, it was accessible only to paid members. Now that it is available to all, every user can utilize it. To access ChatGPT Search, you will need an OpenAI account. Signing up does not require a phone number; you can use an email alias service such as Simple Login or Firefox Relay to bolster your privacy.
How to utilize ChatGPT Search on the web
1. Navigate to ChatGPT.com and sign into your account.
2. Input your question in natural language.
3. Press the Enter key or click the globe icon to initiate the search.
4. ChatGPT Search will present relevant results along with citations referencing the sources of the information.
The same procedure applies when using ChatGPT Search on mobile; however, you will need to have the ChatGPT app installed on your device.
Note: The search feature will not appear unless you are logged into your account.
Getting accustomed to this search approach might require some time if you intend to make ChatGPT Search your main search engine. Typically, users input their inquiries into Google or other sites via the search bar or the address bar in web browsers. At first, utilizing a chat interface for searching may seem unconventional, akin to retraining muscle memory, but it accurately reflects traditional search engine behavior. You do not need to manually click the globe icon; ChatGPT will either search the web or retrieve information from its “trained database,” depending on your input. If you want it to execute a web search, ensure to use the specific button.
Your searches resemble conversations; OpenAI retains a record of your chat history, and your data is accessible across different devices.
More convenient approach for Chromium browsers
OpenAI has released an official ChatGPT Search extension for Chrome. To benefit from this feature, you must sign into ChatGPT. Upon installing the extension, it designates ChatGPT as your default search provider. This enables you to enter queries directly in the browser’s address bar, search box, or through highlighting text using the right-click context menu, with all searches performed via OpenAI’s platform. This enhances user experience compared to repeatedly visiting ChatGPT’s site to initiate a new chat.
Currently, the ChatGPT Search extension is not available for Firefox.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search is quite remarkable
Instead of showcasing a page filled with links and snippets from various sources, ChatGPT Search offers a summarized overview of results in a conversational format. The significant distinction is that ChatGPT Search utilizes real-time information, unlike OpenAI’s conventional chatbot, which depends on a static dataset that may become obsolete.
The outcomes from ChatGPT’s search encompass sources, and the bot even integrates pertinent inline videos. Users can provide feedback to improve the accuracy of the results.
I evaluated the search engine by inquiring about diverse topics, including weather, sports, news, and how-to instructions. The results were generally adequate, though not without drawbacks, as users lack control over the sources from which the data is sourced.
Moreover, ChatGPT displays images within the summaries, drawn from the sites providing the information.
The brief summaries of search results are tidy and easy to comprehend, delivering informative content. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain how efficiently it will handle misinformation or unverified data. Overall, ChatGPT Search shows potential at this early stage.
A notable aspect is the absence of advertisements within the search results, though this may change in the future.
There is no waitlist for ChatGPT Search; it is accessible to all users where ChatGPT functions. It operates with free accounts as well, so a ChatGPT Plus or Pro subscription is not necessary to utilize the search features. You can view the product announcement video on OpenAI’s YouTube channel.
Additionally, ChatGPT is now available via WhatsApp. You can interact with the bot by calling or messaging at 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478), with more details available on the official website.
Will ChatGPT Search be able to outshine Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot? This is undeniably a significant challenge, but it appears to be well-equipped to rival these leading contenders, potentially indicating a new trajectory for AI-driven search engines.
Do you prefer personalized search results in a chat format or a detailed list of results to select from?
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