ChatGPT Search Expands Its Accessibility

OpenAI is making headlines with the significant expansion of ChatGPT Search, allowing broader access to the tool without requiring an account or login. This update was announced on Wednesday, removing the earlier limitations that confined access to paying subscribers and users who logged in for free.

The Growth of ChatGPT Search

The AI company initially rolled out ChatGPT Search to ChatGPT Plus users in 2023, later extending it to all logged-in users by the close of 2024. Now, OpenAI is taking a crucial leap by granting completely open access to its AI-driven search capabilities.

Features of ChatGPT Search

According to OpenAI, the AI chatbot now offers real-time, web-based search results while eliminating the need for users to sign in. The tool is designed to automatically gather the most current information for various queries. Additionally, users have the option to engage the chatbot to search the web manually by selecting the “Search” button located below the input bar.

Competing in the Search Market

This latest update signifies OpenAI’s ambitious push into the search market, positioning ChatGPT as a direct competitor to Google’s search supremacy. While ChatGPT Search functions differently from Google’s conventional search engine, OpenAI has a clear strategy—to provide immediate, AI-curated responses rather than merely presenting web links.

Facing Competition

OpenAI encounters increasing competition from AI-first search startups like DeepSeek, which is gaining attention with its affordable AI models and quick expansion within the field.

Recent Developments from OpenAI

The growth of ChatGPT Search is part of a wave of updates from OpenAI. In just the past week, the company has:

• Launched the o3-mini model, showcasing its latest AI innovations
• Introduced “Deep Research,” a new feature in ChatGPT that caters to multi-step queries
• Unveiled an updated logo and branding