OpenAI announced at December 16, 2024, that its ChatGPT Search feature is now available to all free, logged-in users worldwide on every platform, marking a significant expansion of the AI-powered search tool. Previously available only to paid subscribers since its launch on October 31, this update comes as part of OpenAI’s “12 Days of OpenAI” announcement series, now in its final week.
On the eighth day of the announcement series, Kevin Weil, the Chief Product Officer of OpenAI, conducted a livestream in collaboration with Adam Fry, the ChatGPT Search Product Lead, and Cristina Scheau from the technical team. Together, they presented the most recent enhancements to ChatGPT Search, which included the introduction of a much-anticipated voice search feature, along with various other improvements designed to facilitate more efficient information retrieval.
Weil emphasized the growing importance of ChatGPT Search, saying, “I can’t imagine ChatGPT without Search now. I use it so often. I’m excited to be bringing it to all of you starting today.” The feature has already proven to be incredibly popular since its launch just two months ago, with many users switching to ChatGPT Search as their primary search tool. Its integration into browsers has made it an increasingly convenient alternative to traditional search engines.
While ChatGPT Search is not expected to dethrone Google’s AI search monopoly anytime soon, its rapid adoption signals a shift in user behavior. Experts think that the tool might gain about 1% of the search market soon, which is making businesses, brands, and content creators get ready for changes in how people find their content.
OpenAI also announced enhancements to its mobile experience, including faster performance and improved map integration. Additionally, users can expect an advanced voice mode for search to roll out in the coming days, further improving accessibility and user convenience.
With this move, OpenAI continues to position itself as a significant player in the AI-powered search landscape, offering innovative tools that are reshaping how people interact with information online.
Source: www.openai.com
