ChatGPT Search: OpenAI's Answer to Google | AI Guru

In November, OpenAI introduced a new feature for ChatGPT: ChatGPT with Search. For you as a modern knowledge worker, this means no more time-consuming research and browsing through countless websites. In this article, you'll learn everything about the new feature and how to use it optimally in your daily work.

What exactly is ChatGPT with Search?

The technical details

Automatic web search based on your questions
New search icon function for manual searches
Source citations for all search results with Sources button
Based on an optimized version of GPT-4o
Real-time access to information such as: sports scores, stock prices, news, weather forecasts
UTM tracking for all external links (utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Response times comparable to traditional search engines
Ability to find articles from the last hour
Intelligent decision on when web search is necessary
Context-aware question-answer system

Market context and competition

Google currently dominates with 89.33% market share
Bing follows with 4.15%
OpenAI now positions itself as a direct competitor
Partnerships with top publishers like Condé Nast, Time Magazine, and Financial Times

Comparison with other AI search systems

ChatGPT: Manual and automatic search, source citation sidebar, interactive maps
Google Gemini: Integration with traditional search, ad-supported, extensive knowledge graph
Microsoft Copilot: Bing integration, multimodal search, shopping features
Perplexity: Specialized AI search assistant with web integration
Mistral Le Chat: European alternative with web search functions

Meta is reportedly working on its own AI search solution, while Google recorded search revenue of $49.4 billion in Q3 2024. The race for AI-powered web search is in full swing, with various providers positioning themselves with different focuses.

Availability

Now available for ChatGPT Plus and Team subscribers
Coming to Enterprise and Education users in the coming weeks
Free version to follow in the coming months
Access via chatgpt.com and mobile apps

The benefits for your daily work

"ChatGPT's strength lies in its ability to provide a more personalized, interactive experience, like consulting with a knowledgeable assistant, rather than sifting through links."
- Ajay Dadheech, Principal of AI at World Wide Technology

Time savings

No more multiple search queries needed
Context-related follow-up questions possible
Direct integration of images and map displays

Improved accuracy

Current and relevant results
Verified sources through media partnerships
Transparent source citations

Added value on the job

Faster research for meetings and presentations
More efficient information gathering for reports
Simplified market and competitive analyses

Practical examples

Example 1: Meeting preparation

You need to quickly prepare for an important meeting and need current information about a competitor. Instead of opening multiple tabs and searching different sources, you simply ask ChatGPT targeted questions. The tool delivers summarized information with source citations, perfect for your presentation.

Step 1: Activate "ChatGPT Search" and enter your question.

Step 2: Look at the sources from which the information comes. The relevant articles from which ChatGPT extracts the information are directly linked.

Step 3: Activate the sidebar with all source citations to get an even faster overview of all relevant information.

Example 2: Consulting

A client asks about current market trends. With ChatGPT with Search, you can retrieve relevant data and statistics in real-time without leaving the chat. The automatic source citation increases your credibility.

How to use the feature optimally

Step-by-step guide

Ask precise questions about your research topic
Use follow-up questions to deepen details
Check sources via the Sources button
Save relevant information directly from the chat

Exercise 1: Basic research

Search for the latest developments in your industry. Ask various follow-up questions to get familiar with the context function.

Exercise 2: Complex analysis

Research market data and trends for a specific product. Combine text information with images and geographic data.

Power user tips

Use specific time references for current information
Combine different subject areas for more comprehensive analyses
Verify important information via the Sources button
Note the currency of sources, the system can find articles from the last hour
Use automatic and manual search as needed
For breaking news: check multiple sources in the Sources section

What's next?

Expansion of search functions for shopping and travel
Integration with Advanced Voice Mode
Integration with Canvas features
Broader access for free users in the coming months
Personalized search (in the coming quarters): long-term memory, contextual memories

Challenges and limitations

Like all AI language models, ChatGPT can still make mistakes or invent information
Quality of answers depends on source filtering
Potential impact on the digital economy through changed user flows
Higher energy consumption compared to traditional search engines

Important to know: Energy consumption

An interesting aspect you should consider: According to a Goldman Sachs report, a single ChatGPT search query uses about ten times as much electricity as a standard Google search. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has already addressed this increased energy demand and emphasized the need for breakthroughs in clean energy.

Conclusion

ChatGPT with Search is more than just an update, it's a game-changer for your daily work. The feature combines the strengths of ChatGPT with current web content and eliminates time-consuming multiple searches. Take the opportunity to optimize your research processes and gain an edge on the job.

Further resources

ChatGPT Plus subscription: chatgpt.com
OpenAI blog for updates
Official documentation and tutorials
Search Engine Journal articles
MIT Technology Review

Tip: Start with the exercises today and integrate ChatGPT with Search into your next workday. The sooner you get familiar with the feature, the greater your advantage will be.