The eighth day of OpenAI's 12 days was several minutes shorter than previous days, but the brevity fits with the ChatGPT Search news that OpenAI CPO Kevin Weil and his team released. Unlike the Projects feature introduced on Friday, most people who use the Internet understand the concept of searching for things online.
Still, it was not without interesting news for ChatGPT users, especially those who do not pay for a subscription. Only ChatGPT Plus subscribers had access to the search feature when it launched as a beta a few months ago, but it's now universally accessible if you log in to your account.
And it's not just the same ChatGPT search that subscribers have played with until now. OpenAI claims that search works better and more accurately than before. And when you ask a question, the AI will decide whether it needs to pull new data from the web or answer based on what it already knows. You get results with web previews, images, and even videos playing directly in chat, which could put an end to tab jumping.
Users of the ChatGPT mobile app will also notice that the search function integrates better on Android and iOS. The iOS version even links to Apple Maps to provide directions. Additionally, ChatGPT Search now works with voice mode in the mobile app, so you can have AI search online without typing.
Search AI
Say, for example, you feel like eating sushi. You can use ChatGPT as a local guide and ask: “Where is a good sushi place nearby?” ChatGPT will give you options, complete with photos, links, and directions, that link to Apple Maps on iOS. Since ChatGPT searches for recent information online, it can work even for seasonal outlets.
Ask: “What time does the Christmas market close?” and ChatGPT will get up-to-date schedules and details so you're not left out. Or if you're wrapped in a blanket on the couch, you can ask, “What's a good comedy movie on Netflix?” and even watch the trailer directly in the chat.
Thanks to the connection in voice mode, the search can be done hands-free. So if you're deep into a cooking project and need a quick recipe or measurement conversion, ask ChatGPT out loud. It will give you answers while you stir the pot.
ChatGPT Search may not immediately replace classic search engines, but its conversational style brings something new. Of course, OpenAI isn't the only one doing AI-powered search. That's the main use of tools like Perplexity, which Claude and, naturally, Google Gemini also have variations of.
Still, ChatGPT Search is a solid addition to OpenAI's 12 days, promising a more developer-focused announcement tomorrow. We'll see if the company can come up with something more exciting to close out the rest of the event this week.
