OpenAI's chatbot ChatGPT's AI search engine "ChatGPT Search" is officially open to all free users today, going head-to-head with Google! (Background: The new AI search feature of ChatGPT Search is here! Plus subscribers got early access; can it shake Google's dominance?) (Background: Will AI threaten Google's search dominance? Surprising findings from a Bank of America survey) OpenAI launched an AI search engine called ChatGPT Search in early November, which has been integrated into all platforms of ChatGPT. In the first phase, only paid subscribers of ChatGPT Plus and Team had early access, and now it is officially available to all free users, simultaneously launching a full challenge to traditional search engine leaders. As the "12 Days of OpenAI" event, which lasts for 12 working days, enters the 8th day, "ChatGPT Search Day," OpenAI announced in a live broadcast that now all users can use ChatGPT Search for free as long as they log in to the ChatGPT mobile app and web account. After testing, free users logging into ChatGPT can already see the search button, allowing them to input questions or keywords for real-time text searches. The difference from before is that ChatGPT's knowledge is currently limited to data obtained until June 2024 (the last update of the GPT-4o model database), while ChatGPT Search can help you find the latest information online in real-time, such as today's weather, the latest sports scores, and the latest news and stock prices, with clickable sources for further viewing. Advanced Language Search One key feature of this update is advanced voice search, where users can engage in natural conversations in multiple languages to search for real-time online information. ChatGPT's voice assistant will respond in the voice chosen by the user from 10 preset voice style options. This feature is expected to be launched next week. When you use ChatGPT as the default search engine in your browser, we’ve made it faster to get to where you want to go on the web. pic.twitter.com/q5N38GUPjS — OpenAI (@OpenAI) December 16, 2024 Integrated Map Function Additionally, the ChatGPT mobile app has integrated a brand new map feature. When users search for specific locations (like recommended restaurants or local attractions), ChatGPT will display a list of results just like traditional search engine map functions, allowing users to view related images, ratings, and business hours. Users can also switch the list to a map view, and ChatGPT will use Apple Maps or Google Maps on their device to view the surrounding area and plan routes or explore locations directly within the app. We’re also adding maps to ChatGPT in our mobile apps, so you can search for and chat about local restaurants and businesses with up-to-date information. pic.twitter.com/bQb4zilq6p — OpenAI (@OpenAI) December 16, 2024 Will Google's search engine dominance be shaken? OpenAI previously pointed out that the biggest difference between ChatGPT Search's AI search engine and traditional search engines like Google is "conversation." Users do not need to search multiple times to dig through links to find suitable quality sources and correct information. ChatGPT Search allows users to search for better answers through chat: you can ask questions in a natural conversational style, and ChatGPT can choose to summarize responses using information sourced from the web, considering the complete context of your chat to provide better answers. Furthermore, ChatGPT Search has a significant advantage in that it currently does not display ads, which may attract some users who are averse to advertising. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as not offering the comprehensive features of Google (images, maps, news, shopping, etc.), the AI hallucination issues where ChatGPT provides incorrect or inaccurate answers continue to raise skepticism, and free users will have some limitations on the frequency of using the latest ChatGPT Search model. All these factors might reduce the public's willingness to switch from Google to ChatGPT for searches. However, for the younger generation in the future, their first experience with the internet may likely be directly using ChatGPT, which could gradually replace Google's leading position in search. This has prompted Google to accelerate its efforts to innovate its search engine with AI to maintain its leading position in the AI era. Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently stated that the Google search engine will undergo "profound changes" in 2025, capable of solving more complex problems than ever before, and the company is also preparing to make significant updates to its Gemini model. Related Reports Cathie Wood's Ark predicts by 2030: ChatGPT's cost will drop to one ten-thousandth! Competing with Google for search dominance Meta reportedly developing its own "AI search engine" to generate real-time information summaries, going head-to-head with Google and Microsoft The strongest AI tutor is here? OpenAI reportedly set to launch advanced voice mode for ChatGPT on September 24 Google integrates three major AIs into the desktop version of Chrome: smart lens search, online shopping price comparison, and more full explanation "ChatGPT Search function fully open to free users, will it threaten Google's dominance?" This article was originally published on BlockTempo, the most influential blockchain news media.