What is the hype around ChatGPT Search?

The hotly anticipated ChatGPT search has finally been released by OpenAI. This is an upgrade that integrates real-time web search into the popular AI chatbot. Here’s what it offers:

Author

Yoshi Soornack
November 07, 2024

What is ChatGPT search?

ChatGPT Search enables users to access up-to-the-minute information directly from the web via the familiar ChatGPT tool. Key features include: 

  • Instant (very fast) updates on news, sport, stocks, and weather. 

  • A conversational interface that feels natural and intuitive. 

  • Source links for transparency. 

  • An ad-free browsing experience. 

  • Visuals such as interactive graphs for a richer search experience. 

Access and rollout 

The rollout is being phased in: 

  • Available now for ChatGPT Plus and Team subscribers. 

  • Enterprise and education users will get access soon. 

  • Free-tier users will join in the coming months. 

  • Accessible on chatgpt.com and through mobile or desktop apps. 

Technology behind the feature 

The search capabilities are built on: 

  • A specialised version of GPT-4. 

  • Integration with search engines like Microsoft Bing. 

  • Collaborations with major publishers and news sources. 

Planned Improvements 

OpenAI plans to further enhance ChatGPT Search with: 

  • Improved shopping and travel search options. 

  • Integration of Advanced Voice Mode. 

  • Enhanced research tools using new AI models. 

  • Personalised search results based on user preferences. 

 Comparison with Google and Perplexity 

ChatGPT Search aims to challenge Google’s dominance, leveraging its conversational and ad-free experience to attract users. Although Google still holds a massive market share, early feedback favours ChatGPT for its personalised and streamlined approach. We are big fans of Perplexity and I wouldn’t say that ChatGPT search offers anything significant over Perplexity other than its superfast outputs. Here’s a comparison 👇 

 

Feature 

ChatGPT Search 

Perplexity AI 

Google Search 

Search Method 

Conversational AI with real-time web access 

AI-powered with continuous web indexing 

Traditional search engine with AI features 

Results Format 

Summarised responses with source links 

Summarised responses with direct source links often inline 

List of ranked links with brief snippets 

Source Attribution 

Includes clickable sources button and sidebar 

Direct footnotes and references 

Links to original sources 

Real-Time Updates 

Provides up-to-date information from the web 

Continuous web indexing for the latest information 

Immediate indexing of new content 

Availability 

Initially for ChatGPT Plus and Team users; broader access planned 

Available to all users with free and pro versions 

Accessible to all users globally 

User Interface 

Chat-based with follow-up question capability and fast output speed. Basic formatting 

Dual mode (Quick/Pro Search) with moderate output speed. Well-formatted 

Traditional search bar with filters and moderate output speed. Basic formatting 

Special Features 

Visual elements for stocks, weather, and maps 

Document and image upload analysis 

Advanced search operators and filters 

Ad Presence 

Ad-free experience 

Ad-free experience 

Ad-supported results 

Model Integration 

Utilises OpenAI's GPT-4o model for natural language understanding and some integration of the o1 model outputs. 

Multiple LLMs (GPT-4, Claude 3.5) 

Google's AI models (Gemini) 

Context Handling 

Maintains conversation context and ChatGPT user memory 

Remembers thread context. No user memory. 

Each search is independent. No explicit memory. 

Integration 

Integrated into ChatGPT's conversational interface 

Functions as an AI-powered search engine with a chat-like interface 

Traditional search engine interface with various integrated services 

AI Capabilities 

Utilises OpenAI's GPT-4o model for natural language understanding 

Employs multiple AI models, including GPT-4o and Claude 3.5, for information retrieval 

Incorporates AI for search result ranking and featured snippets 

Customisation 

Allows creation of custom GPTs for tailored responses 

Offers search focus filters (e.g., Academic, WolframAlpha, YouTube, Reddit) 

Provides personalised search results based on user history and preferences 

Multimodal Support 

Supports text and image inputs 

Handles text, images, and multimedia sources 

Primarily text-based; supports image and video searches separately 

Privacy Considerations 

Data usage policies governed by OpenAI's privacy guidelines 

Adheres to its own privacy policies; less data collection compared to traditional search engines 

Collects user data for personalized experiences and targeted advertising 

 

Early perception 

GPT-based search tools like ChatGPT and SearchGPT are creating a mix of excitement and caution. Users are enthusiastic about the conversational, intuitive nature of GPT search, which offers synthesised rapid answers instead of just links, making the process feel more like a helpful dialogue. However, traditional search engines like Google still dominate due to their reliability and familiarity, leading many to hesitate in fully embracing GPT-based search for critical tasks. 

Tech enthusiasts are exploring GPT tools, but general users are slower to switch, preferring the interfaces they are already comfortable with. Media and public opinion remain divided—some view GPT search as a revolutionary development, while others are concerned about misinformation and the opaque nature of AI-generated results. 

 

The Rabbit hole 🐰