In a significant change, OpenAI is no longer requiring an account to use ChatGPT’s search engine, making it accessible in every supported region. The move positions ChatGPT as a serious contender to Google’s long-standing dominance in online search.
Previously, access to ChatGPT search was limited to paid subscribers and those on the SearchGPT waitlist when it launched on October 31, 2024. The feature was later expanded to free users in December, and now, starting Wednesday, anyone can use ChatGPT search without having to log in to their account. They can simply visit ChatGPT.com and click the “Search” button.
OpenAI’s search engine runs on a refined version of GPT-4o, enhanced with synthetic data generation techniques. It draws on information from third-party search providers and OpenAI’s content partners to display results. Although still in its early stages, ChatGPT search represents a growing challenge to Google’s monopoly on web search.
Following the launch of DeepSeek, a competing AI search engine from China, OpenAI has been rapidly rolling out new capabilities. In recent weeks, the company has introduced AI agents – Operator and Deep Research.
Now that ChatGPT search is open to everyone, it remains to be seen whether users will start moving away from Google. While it’s too early to tell, this change marks another major milestone in AI-powered search innovation.
George is still wondering what he is doing here….
