OpenAI has recently made significant enhancements to its ChatGPT web search capabilities, as part of its ongoing "12 Days of OpenAI" announcement series, which began in early December 2024. The updates were revealed during a livestream event on YouTube, demonstrating OpenAI's commitment to improving its AI chatbot experience, particularly in relation to access and functionality.
One of the key changes is that the ChatGPT Search feature is now accessible to all users globally, including those with free accounts. Previously, this feature was limited to users subscribed to the paid tiers, specifically ChatGPT Plus and other higher plans. Users can activate the web search by creating a free account and clicking on a globe icon located in the bottom of the "compose" bar. This update allows users to receive current information sourced live from various websites while interacting with the AI.
The updated search experience has also been optimised to emphasise quick access to prominent links, such as those of popular services like Netflix and travel booking sites, which will appear before more standard text-based responses generated by the chatbot. This prioritisation may enhance the overall usability for myriad practical queries.
Perhaps the most notable addition is the introduction of voice search capabilities. By enabling the Advanced Voice Mode through an audio waveform button in the compose bar, users can verbally inquire about a range of topics, from travel information to weather updates. The AI responds in one of ten predefined voice styles, adding a more interactive and engaging element to the user experience.
Moreover, the updates extend to the ChatGPT mobile applications for both iOS and Android systems, enabling integration with device-specific map services. If a user searches for nearby restaurants, the corresponding results will now utilise the operating system's default mapping application, be it Apple Maps or Google Maps. This enhancement is designed to facilitate on-the-go queries, catering to the practicality needed by users in various contexts.
OpenAI's livestream also hinted at forthcoming news aimed at third-party developers leveraging its platforms and application programming interfaces (APIs). Future announcements are expected, which could provide further insights into the evolving role of AI automation and its implications for business practices and technological advancements.
Overall, these updates from OpenAI signify a continued trend towards increased accessibility and functionality in AI technologies, potentially reshaping user interaction and enhancing business operations through superior information retrieval and user engagement.
Source: Noah Wire Services