OpenAI 'unbundles' ChatGPT Search for all users, no account required

OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT users will no longer need to log in to use its AI model's search engine feature. This feature of ChatGPT was originally developed to compete directly with Google and Bing, but was initially rolled out to paid ChatGPT subscribers last October, before being expanded to all users in December. Now, the feature is officially available to anyone who accesses ChatGPT without even needing a login account, meaning there are no barriers at all.

Late last year, OpenAI said it had improved the overall speed of the search experience based on user feedback. Previously, users had to click the exact web search icon to trigger the AI ​​chatbot's search capabilities. But now, ChatGPT can automatically decide whether to trigger a web search or rely solely on the AI ​​to respond to the user on a case-by-case basis. However, users can still force ChatGPT to use the web search experience by clicking the web search icon.

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In addition to providing answers, one of the key features of ChatGPT search is that it can display a list of sources from which it was notified. This is intended to be transparent to users, helping them better understand the source and reliability of the information.

Additionally, the recent update to the search function in ChatGPT has brought an experience closer to the regular search engine that most people are familiar with, showing maps, images, and even descriptions of attractions and notable places in any given area.

According to the latest report from market analysis firm Semrush, ChatGPT has gradually threatened Google's leading position in terms of search traffic market share to third-party websites. Experts believe that ChatGPT Search is becoming an even more powerful tool for finding and interacting with information online.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 07 February 2025