Imagine a world where Google isn’t the go-to search engine. Sounds impossible, right? Well, OpenAI just threw a curveball with its latest search engine innovation—ChatGPT Search, a revolutionary search engine integrated directly into ChatGPT. This new search engine is stirring up quite the buzz, and for a good reason. Unlike previous versions of web access in ChatGPT, this new feature takes a conversational path, providing tailored answers and redefining how we search for up-to-date information online. Could this be the next big thing? Let’s dive into this exciting development in our ChatGPT Search Review and uncover how it stacks up against the search giant, Google.
What is ChatGPT Search?
ChatGPT Search is OpenAI’s newest innovation designed to make online searches faster, easier, and more intuitive. Powered by advanced GPT-4 architecture, this feature enables users to retrieve information in real time, backed by credible sources.
Unlike traditional search engines that rely on lists of links, ChatGPT Search blends conversational AI with up-to-date web information. Whether you’re seeking the latest news, real-time stock updates, or product comparisons, ChatGPT Search delivers personalized, context-aware answers that simplify your search journey.
How to Access ChatGPT Search
When logged into ChatGPT, you’ll notice a new Globe Icon labelled “Search the Web” in the message field while using ChatGPT 4 . To activate the feature:
- Click the globe icon.
- The icon turns blue, signifying you are in “search mode.”
- Enter your query, and ChatGPT will provide an answer along with links and sources.
As soon as you enable the search feature, you’ll see a list of trending topics. These trends are based on recent search data and may include topics like:
- Donald Trump
- Man United News
- UEFA Champions League Draw
Keep in mind that these trends will vary based on your region.
Who Can Use ChatGPT Search?
As of now, ChatGPT Search is only available for:
- ChatGPT Plus users (at $20/month)
- Teams users
- Those previously on the SearchGPT waitlist (now closed) at search.chatgpt.com
While free-tier users don’t have access yet, OpenAI has announced plans to roll out the feature to all users in the coming months. Enterprise and Education users can expect access in the next few weeks.
ChatGPT Search Review: Exploring Features
Real-Time Information and Source Attribution
ChatGPT Search provides up-to-date information by connecting to real-time data sources. Whether you’re looking for the latest news, sports scores, or stock quotes, the search engine delivers timely and accurate results.
ChatGPT Search highlights and attributes information from trustworthy sources. This feature ensures that users can easily verify the credibility of the information they receive and explore further details by clicking on the source links.
For example, selecting a trending topic initiates a search, and ChatGPT compiles recent information about that topic. Once the search is complete, you’ll see the output alongside citations that show where the information comes from.
If you hover over a paragraph, you can see the specific source of the information. For example:
- BBC (a reputable news outlet in the UK)
- Wikipedia
- Sky News
This transparency helps users decide whether to trust the sources or double-check the information.
Localized Search Results and Local Recommendations
The search engine excels at providing location-specific information. Whether you’re looking for:
- Nearby restaurants and cafes
- Local events and attractions
- Area-specific services
- Neighborhood recommendations
ChatGPT Search delivers relevant results with integrated maps, and users can even get directions or visit the businesses’ websites directly.
I searched “best coffee shops near Soho, London. The response was amazing. I got a list of top-rated coffee shops with their locations and ratings.
ChatGPT Search supports localized results, making it perfect for finding nearby services or businesses. For example:
Image Search with ChatGPT
One of the standout features is the ability to fetch real-time images from the web. Whether it’s breaking news or product visuals, ChatGPT Search ensures you get the latest:
- Browse images in gallery view.
- Click to visit the source page.
This is especially useful for professionals and researchers who need reliable visual data.
Product Comparisons and Organizing Data in Tables
ChatGPT Search can also compare products and organize information into tables. For example, I asked ChatGPT Search: “Compare iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro in a table format.”
As you can see from the table above, it provided table outlining specifications like performance, design, battery life, and pricing.
This feature is ideal for anyone making informed decisions without scouring multiple sources.
Examples of ChatGPT Search in Action
Weather Updates
- Query: “What’s the weather like in London today?”
- Response: Real-time weather forecasts, often accompanied by diagrams for easier understanding.
Stock Market Insights
- Query: “Latest Nvidia stock price.”
- Response: Detailed graphs showing price changes over different timeframes, such as 1 day, 5 days, or 1 month.
ChatGPT Search Chrome Extension
To enhance accessibility, OpenAI has introduced a Chrome extension for ChatGPT Search. This allows users to:
- Set ChatGPT Search as the default search engine.
- Access information directly from the browser’s URL bar.
You can get ChatGPT Search Chrome Extension here
Strengths and Limitations
Pros
- Conversational Interface: Makes search interactive and engaging.
- Real-Time Data: ChatGPT now provides up-to-date answers, ideal for weather, sports, and stock queries.
- Integrated sources: Each response includes clickable links for more information.
- Personalization: Learns user preferences for tailored results.
Con
- Restricted Access: Limited to premium and team users for now.
- No precise location auto-detection: Unlike Google, ChatGPT doesn’t auto-detect precise locations. For local searches, you may need to provide additional details like ZIP codes.
- Some specialized features still work better on Google: Some features, like advanced travel planning, are better suited to Google.
Alternatives to ChatGPT Search
Google Search
As the reigning giant, Google remains unmatched in its indexing speed and breadth. However, it lacks the conversational interface that makes ChatGPT Search unique.
Perplexity AI
This alternative offers similar functionalities, including concise answers and source attributions. It’s a worthy competitor for users seeking an AI-driven search experience.
Wrapping Up ChatGPT Search Review
ChatGPT Search represents a significant leap forward in how we interact with online information. While it may not entirely replace Google just yet, it offers a compelling alternative that combines the power of AI with the convenience of traditional search. Its ability to understand context, provide real-time information, and maintain a conversational flow makes it a valuable tool for both casual users and professionals.
The future of search is evolving, and ChatGPT Search is at the forefront of this transformation. As OpenAI continues to refine and expand its capabilities, we might be witnessing the beginning of a new era in how we discover and interact with information online.
Have you tried ChatGPT Search yet?
What features excite you the most?
Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
Thank you for taking your time to read our review about ChatGPT Search. Share and subscribe to our newsletter
