OpenAI Extends ChatGPT Search Feature to Free Users: Here’s What You Need to Know

As part of its "12 Days of OpenAI" initiative, OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company backed by Microsoft, has announced a significant update to its platform. The company is rolling out its ChatGPT Search feature to all users, including those on the free tier.

Previously accessible only to paid subscribers, the feature is now available to anyone with an OpenAI account, marking a new milestone in democratizing advanced AI-powered search capabilities.

ChatGPT Search: An Overview

What is ChatGPT Search?

The ChatGPT Search feature integrates web search functionality directly into the ChatGPT interface. Unlike traditional search engines, this feature combines the capabilities of natural language processing with the ability to fetch real-time data, such as sports scores, breaking news, stock market updates, and more.

By leveraging conversational awareness, ChatGPT Search provides a more intuitive experience. Users can ask follow-up questions or provide additional context, enabling seamless and dynamic interactions.

OpenAI explained that the feature automatically fetches data based on the user’s prompts. Additionally, users can manually trigger web searches by clicking on the designated web search icon.

The results are displayed in a visually enhanced interface, complete with links to sources. OpenAI has also introduced new elements to improve the presentation of specific types of data, including weather updates, stock performance, news highlights, sports scores, and map integration.

Key Announcements from "12 Days of OpenAI"

OpenAI's ongoing "12 Days of OpenAI" series has brought several enhancements aimed at improving the platform’s usability for both general users and developers. Below are some major updates introduced as part of this initiative:

ChatGPT Pro Subscription Plan

The new ChatGPT Pro plan offers users access to advanced features and all available AI models. This plan is specifically designed for professionals and enthusiasts seeking enhanced functionality.

O1-Series Reasoning Models

The O1-series model has been introduced to enhance ChatGPT’s reasoning capabilities and overall performance. For Pro users, the O1 Turbo mode provides even faster responses.

Sora Model for Video Generation

OpenAI has launched Sora, a powerful tool for creating high-quality 1080p videos up to 20 seconds long. This model supports text, photo, and video inputs, offering premium subscribers advanced options for content creation.

Reinforcement Fine-Tuning Research Program

The expanded Reinforcement Fine-Tuning Research Program allows developers to fine-tune AI models for tailored use cases. This initiative is designed to enhance personalisation and efficiency in AI applications.

ChatGPT Canvas

A newly introduced collaborative workspace, ChatGPT Canvas, enables users to work on projects with inline suggestions and contextual feedback. This feature is ideal for brainstorming and collaborative editing.

Apple Intelligence Integration

In collaboration with Apple, OpenAI has integrated ChatGPT with Apple devices. This includes compatibility with Apple Writing Tools and Siri, allowing users to manage tasks and create content more efficiently on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Festive "Santa" Voice Option

For the holiday season, OpenAI has added a "Santa" voice option to ChatGPT. Available for a limited time, this feature enables users to interact with the chatbot in a cheerful, Santa-inspired voice.

ChatGPT Projects

The newly launched ChatGPT Projects feature acts as a folder system, helping users organize their conversations on specific topics. Users can also upload files and customize ChatGPT’s responses within these projects for a more tailored experience.

Conclusion

OpenAI’s rollout of the ChatGPT Search feature to free-tier users marks a significant step in making advanced AI tools accessible to a broader audience. By seamlessly integrating web search with a conversational AI interface, OpenAI is redefining how users interact with information.

The additional updates introduced during the “12 Days of OpenAI” initiative, such as enhanced reasoning models, collaborative tools, and integration with Apple devices, underscore the company’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design.

As OpenAI continues to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence, its tools are poised to empower individuals and businesses alike, enabling smarter, faster, and more personalized solutions for a wide range of needs.