OpenAI has made its AI-powered search tool more accessible by removing the requirement to sign in before using ChatGPT’s search engine. This change, announced on Wednesday, allows users to get AI-generated responses based on web information without creating an account. The responses also include a list of sources used to generate the information, making it more transparent and reliable.
Originally, OpenAI introduced its search feature for paid ChatGPT users in October before expanding it to all users in December. With the latest update, ChatGPT search is now positioned as a direct competitor to established search engines like Google and Bing. This move could significantly expand OpenAI’s user base by making its AI tools easier to access.
Other AI-based search platforms, like Perplexity, also offer web search without requiring an account. Perplexity recently integrated hotel listings and ratings from TripAdvisor, showing how AI search is evolving to provide more interactive and useful results.
Similarly, a recent update to ChatGPT’s search function has made it look more like a traditional search engine, displaying maps, images, and short descriptions of local attractions.
By removing login barriers, OpenAI aims to encourage more users to try its AI search tool and explore its capabilities. This change could reshape how people access information online, offering a new alternative to traditional search engines.
