OpenAI has announced the launch of ChatGPT Search, a new feature designed to deliver real-time web information directly within the ChatGPT interface, which allows users to receive up-to-date content on various subjects, including news, weather updates, sports results, and stock market data, through a conversational and interactive format.

The announcement was detailed in an official OpenAI blog post. The feature, initially accessible only to ChatGPT Plus and Team subscribers, will eventually be made available to Free, Enterprise, and Edu users.

OpenAI aims to gradually extend the service, ensuring that more user categories benefit from the expanded capabilities of ChatGPT. According to the company, the staggered rollout will allow for performance monitoring and the incorporation of user feedback to improve the service over time.

ChatGPT Search represents a major enhancement of OpenAI’s previous SearchGPT prototype. By employing an updated version of GPT-4, this feature is designed to deliver faster and more contextually relevant responses.

The tool leverages a natural language interface, allowing users to pose queries as they would in a typical chat conversation and receive comprehensive, real-time answers. OpenAI stated that this refined approach helps understand user intent more accurately and provides timely, fact-based content.

To ensure the quality and reliability of the information provided, OpenAI has established partnerships with reputable news and data organizations, including the Associated Press, Reuters, and Le Monde. These collaborations aim to source credible content and provide accurate, well-vetted information. The company emphasized that such partnerships are vital in maintaining high-quality search results, especially for critical topics like breaking news or financial updates.

Users can also access original content sources through a feature that includes clickable links. Responses generated by ChatGPT Search are accompanied by references in a sidebar, making it easy for users to navigate to the original articles and websites for further reading. This feature adds a layer of transparency and enhances user confidence in the provided information.