ChatGPT Search is now accessible for free to all users!
OpenAI is now providing free access to the internet search feature in ChatGPT, and has also added several new enhancements.
This news is part of OpenAI's “12 Days” announcement series, where they also launched new features such as the Sora video generator and the ChatGPT Pro subscription package priced at USD 200 per month.
ChatGPT Search was first launched last October, and at that time it was only accessible to subscribed users. Now, all users, including those using the free version, can enjoy real-time information search on the internet, as long as you have an account and are logged in.
OpenAI has also made several enhancements to ChatGPT Search based on user feedback. Search results now appear more similar to traditional search engines like Google, with lists containing summaries of information and visual images. ChatGPT will also show source links for the information obtained.
In the mobile app, ChatGPT Search is now integrated with the Advanced Voice Mode feature, so users can perform internet searches by voice. However, this feature is only available for paid users.
Unfortunately, in the free version, there is no clickable “internet” icon to manually enable web search. ChatGPT will automatically search the internet if the question posed requires the latest information.
For free ChatGPT accounts, search results only display text responses and source links. Therefore, the search results will not include images as shown by OpenAI in their announcement. This enhancement may only be available in certain regions or just for paid users.
