ChatGPTthe flagship platform ofOpenAItakes a new step by making its search engine accessible to all its users, both free and paid. After having been reserved for paying subscribers only, this service now allows anyone with an account (even free) to ask questions on current topics or upcoming events, and to obtain enriched answers links to external sites. This development marks a turning point in the field of online search, and ChatGPT thus positions itself as a direct competitor to Google.
Launched in October 2024 for subscribers, the search functionality is now enriched with real-time information, offering an instant response taken from the web. From a pre-programmed AI tool to a truly intelligent search engine, ChatGPT is able to generate answers not only from its internal database, but also by tapping directly into news and information available online.
This new feature is accompanied by improvements on the mobile version, with an interface that more closely resembles that of traditional search engines. For example, for a local search, like finding a restaurant or attraction, ChatGPT now displays a list of results accompanied by images, reviews, and hours. By clicking on an option, the user can obtain more details and even consult an in-app map.
ChatGPT also benefits from new features, such as optimization for searches on specific sites. For example, when a user searches for information on hotels, ChatGPT first generates a list of links to the appropriate sites before providing a detailed analysis of each option. This approach saves time, while improving the relevance of responses.
The search engine industry has become particularly competitive. In response to the rise of ChatGPT, companies like Google have integrated generative AI into their services. Google’s Gemini search engine now uses AI to generate answers directly in the results feed. Although Google remains largely dominant, the rise of ChatGPT could be a game-changer, particularly as giants like Microsoft, already a major investor in OpenAI, integrate technologies similar to Bing.
In addition, OpenAI recently launched its “ChatGPT Pro” subscription, priced at $200 per month. This subscription allows unlimited access to all models, including advances like the “o1” and “o1-mini” reasoning models. For less resource-intensive users, the $20 per month “Plus” plan already offers an enriched experience, with broader limits on the use of GPT-4 and other tools like file generation. pictures.
Despite these paid options, the basic service remains fully accessible to free users, who now benefit from an enriched version of the search engine. While some analysts believe that ChatGPT could make some traditional search tools obsolete, there are still questions to be answered regarding the reliability of certain responses generated, as highlighted by several criticisms linked to the inaccuracy of the results in certain categories.
SOURCES : Digital Trends, The Verge, Strategies
