What is ChatGPT Search? (New Update from OpenAI)

OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Search, a new feature allowing ChatGPT to access real-time web information. 

Now, ChatGPT can give answers based on the latest news, live sports scores, stock prices, and more. 

This update makes it feel like a conversational search engine, offering timely, accurate responses. Let’s dive into what ChatGPT Search can do.

ALSO READ: What is Echo Writing Prompt

Key Features of ChatGPT Search

ChatGPT Search is packed with helpful features that make accessing real-time information simple. 

Here are five key features:

Access to Live Information: 

Get current news, stock prices, sports scores, and updates on various trending topics.

Manual Search Activation: 

Click the search icon anytime to get the latest information on demand, right within ChatGPT.

Automatic Search Mode: 

ChatGPT Search activates automatically for questions that need real-time data, so you get instant updates when needed.

Trusted Sources for Reliable Information: 

Information comes from verified sources like Reuters and Vox Media, ensuring you get accurate, trustworthy answers.

Linked Sources for Transparency: 

Responses now include clickable links to original sources, making it easy to verify facts or dive deeper.

How ChatGPT Search Works

ChatGPT Search uses OpenAI’s latest model, GPT-4o, which is specially designed to pull in relevant, reliable information from the web. 

When ChatGPT Search is activated, it connects to trusted third-party search providers to gather real-time data. 

This means ChatGPT isn’t just relying on pre-existing knowledge—it’s able to reach out for fresh information whenever needed, ensuring more accurate and up-to-date responses.

Who Can Access ChatGPT Search?

Currently, ChatGPT Search is available to Plus and Team users, as well as those who joined the SearchGPT waitlist. 

OpenAI has plans to roll it out to free users in the future, but for now, access is being introduced gradually. 

If you’re on the Plus plan or part of a team, you’ll find the search option already available.

Why ChatGPT Search is Useful

ChatGPT Search brings several practical benefits that make it an invaluable tool for users seeking accurate and up-to-date information in a single, easy-to-use platform:

Timely Access to Current Information: 

With ChatGPT Search, you can ask about recent news, stock prices, live sports scores, and other up-to-the-minute topics. 

This is especially helpful for those who need the latest updates without sifting through multiple websites.

Perfect for Research and Learning: 

Whether you’re a student, researcher, or professional, ChatGPT Search provides quick access to the latest data, helping you stay informed and complete projects with relevant, recent information. 

It can pull in industry trends, data for academic topics, or insights for business decisions, making it a valuable research companion.

Reliable Information from Trusted Sources: 

ChatGPT Search is designed to pull data from reputable sources, thanks to OpenAI’s partnerships with organizations like Reuters and Vox Media. 

This means you’re getting accurate information from verified sources, which is particularly important for news, finance, and current event topics.

Efficient In-Chat Experience: 

With ChatGPT Search, there’s no need to switch between tabs or open a browser. 

All information is accessible within the chat, so you can keep the conversation going without interruptions, making it convenient and efficient.

Easy Verification with Linked Sources: 

ChatGPT Search includes clickable links to the original sources. 

This transparency lets you quickly verify the information or dive deeper into topics, adding a layer of trust and ease for users who like to fact-check or explore further.

Where Does ChatGPT Search Get Its Information?

To make sure the information you get is trustworthy, ChatGPT Search pulls content from well-known, reliable sources. 

OpenAI has partnered with organizations like Reuters, Associated Press (AP), and Vox Media. These are respected names in news and data, known for fact-checked, accurate reporting. 

When ChatGPT searches the web, it uses these partnerships to find answers that are up-to-date and credible.

For example, if you ask about recent events, ChatGPT might pull details from Reuters or AP to ensure you’re getting accurate news. 

Or, if you’re looking for insights on financial trends, it can draw from these same trusted sources. 

This setup is valuable when dealing with topics that change often, like finance or current events. 

You don’t have to worry about outdated or unreliable information because the sources ChatGPT relies on are constantly refreshed and verified.

Plus, ChatGPT doesn’t just give you the answer—it includes clickable links to the sources whenever possible. 

This way, you can easily check the original source or explore more details on your own. 

It’s a simple, transparent way to keep information accurate and trustworthy, so you know you’re getting the best data available.

ChatGPT Search Vs Google Search

ChatGPT Search and Google Search are both powerful tools for finding information online, but they operate differently and offer unique experiences. 

Here's a comparison to help you understand their distinctions:

1. Nature of Responses:

ChatGPT Search: Provides conversational, AI-generated answers that synthesize information from multiple sources, aiming for a more interactive experience.

Google Search: Offers a list of ranked web pages related to your query, allowing you to choose which sources to explore.

2. Real-Time Information:

ChatGPT Search: With recent updates, it can access and provide up-to-date information from the web, including live data like sports scores and stock prices. 

Google Search: Consistently delivers real-time information across various topics, leveraging its extensive indexing capabilities.

3. Source Transparency:

ChatGPT Search: Summarizes information and includes links to sources, but the AI-generated nature means the exact origin of specific details might not always be clear.

Google Search: Directly links to original web pages, allowing users to assess the credibility and context of the information themselves.

4. User Interaction:

ChatGPT Search: Enables a conversational approach, where you can ask follow-up questions and receive tailored responses in a dialogue format.

Google Search: Primarily a query-response system without interactive dialogue, requiring users to refine searches manually.

5. Integration with Other Services:

ChatGPT Search: Focuses on delivering information within the chat interface, with ongoing developments to enhance its capabilities.

Google Search: Integrates seamlessly with a wide range of services like Maps, News, and Shopping, providing a comprehensive ecosystem.

While both platforms aim to deliver relevant information, ChatGPT Search offers a conversational experience with synthesized answers, whereas Google Search provides direct access to a variety of sources for users to explore.

Examples of ChatGPT Search in Action

Here are some practical ways you can use ChatGPT Search:

Checking Stock Prices: 

You can ask, “What’s the current stock price for Tesla?” and ChatGPT will provide live stock information, ideal for quick updates.

ChatGPT Response:

Following Sports Scores: 

For sports fans, ChatGPT Search can retrieve scores for ongoing games, like “What’s the score for the Man City game?”

ChatGPT Response:

Staying Updated on News: 

Get recent headlines by asking something like, “What’s happening in world news today?”

ChatGPT Response:

Finding Local Event Details: 

If you want recommendations for events, ChatGPT Search can give you details on local happenings.

These examples show how ChatGPT Search can be a handy tool for getting real-time answers in a single conversation.

How to Get Started with ChatGPT Search

If you’re ready to try out ChatGPT Search, here’s a quick guide to get started:

1. Log In: 

Make sure you’re a Plus or Team user, or on the SearchGPT waitlist, as these groups currently have access.

2. Look for the Search Icon: 

In any chat, you’ll see a web like icon that you can click to activate ChatGPT Search manually.

3. Type Your Query: 

Ask any question that might need up-to-date information, like “What’s the latest in tech news?” or “How’s the stock market doing today?”

4. Review the Response: 

ChatGPT will provide a real-time answer, often with clickable links to the original sources, so you can explore further if you’d like.

Starting with ChatGPT Search is easy, and with these steps, you’ll be ready to get accurate, timely answers in no time.

Wrapping Up: Is ChatGPT Search Better Than Google?

ChatGPT Search represents a new way to find real-time information with ease. 

By blending trusted sources with conversational AI, OpenAI has created a tool that’s perfect for quick, accurate answers right within ChatGPT. 

Give it a try to see how this new update can simplify your search for information!