ChatGPT is getting ready to launch its search tool for everyone

If you have been waiting patiently to try ChatGPT Searchyou won’t have to wait much longer. After being released to paid subscribers this fall, OpenAI announced Monday this would make the tool available to all, without Plus or Professional membership required“in the coming months.”

At this point, all you need before you can start using ChatGPT Search is an OpenAI account. Once you log in, and if your query requires it, ChatGPT will automatically search the web for the latest information to answer your question. You can also force it to search the web, thanks to a handy new icon located right in the prompt bar. OpenAI also added the option to make ChatGPT Search your browser’s default search engine.

At the same time, OpenAI integrates ChatGPT Search and Advanced Voice mode together. As you might guess, the former allows ChatGPT’s audio persona to search the web for answers to your questions and answer them in a natural, conversational way. For example, say you are traveling to another city for vacation. You can ask ChatGPT what the weather will be once you arrive, with the built-in search function, the chatbot can answer this question with the most up-to-date information.

To facilitate this functionality, OpenAI says it is partnering with leading news and data providers. As a result, you’ll also see widgets for stocks, sports scores, weather, and more. Basically, ChatGPT Search is becoming a full-fledged Google competitor before our eyes.

OpenAI announced the expanded availability during its latest “12 days of OpenAI” live. In previous live streams, the company announced the general availability of Sora and ChatGPT Pro, a new $200 subscription for its chatbot. With four days still to go, it’s hard to see the company top this announcement, but at this point OpenAI probably has a surprise or two up its sleeve.