OpenAI's chat robot ChatGPT's AI search engine "ChatGPT Search" is officially open to all free users today, fully challenging Google! (Background: The new AI search feature of ChatGPT Search is here! Plus subscribers get early access, can it shake Google’s monopoly?) (Background information: Will AI threaten Google’s search monopoly? Bank of America’s investigation is surprising) OpenAI launched the AI search engine named ChatGPT Search in early November, which has been integrated into all platforms of ChatGPT, initially allowing ChatGPT Plus and Team paid subscribers to be the first to use it, and now it is officially open to all free users, simultaneously launching a comprehensive challenge to traditional search engine leaders. As the "12 Days of OpenAI" event enters the 8th day, "ChatGPT Search Day," OpenAI announced in a live broadcast that now all users can log in to their ChatGPT mobile app and web account to use ChatGPT Search for free. After testing, free users logging into ChatGPT can already see the search button and enter questions or keywords for real-time text searches. The difference from before is that ChatGPT's knowledge is currently limited to data obtained before 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, news, and stock prices, and you can click on the data source to further view the source webpage. Advanced Language Search One of the key features of this update is advanced voice search. In advanced voice mode, users can have 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 Feature In addition, ChatGPT's mobile app has integrated a brand new map feature. When users search for specific locations (such as recommended restaurants or local attractions), ChatGPT will display a list of results like the map feature of traditional search engines, showing relevant pictures, ratings, and business hours. Additionally, users can switch the list to a map, and ChatGPT will use Apple Maps or Google Maps on your 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 monopoly 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 conduct multiple searches to excavate links to find suitable quality sources and accurate information. ChatGPT Search allows users to search for better answers through chatting: you can ask questions in a natural conversational way, and ChatGPT can choose to summarize responses using information from the web, considering the complete context of your chat to provide better answers. Moreover, ChatGPT Search has a significant advantage in that it currently does not display ads, which may attract some users who are averse to advertisements. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as: it does not have the one-stop integrated functionalities of Google (images, maps, news, shopping, etc.), concerns about ChatGPT providing incorrect or inaccurate information still raise various questions, and the frequency of free users using the latest ChatGPT Search model may be subject to some limitations. All these factors may also reduce the public's willingness to switch from Google to ChatGPT for searches. But for the younger generation in the future, their first exposure to the internet, such as in class, may likely be directly using ChatGPT, which may gradually replace Google's leading position in search. This also prompts Google to accelerate AI innovation in its search engine to maintain its leading position in the AI era. Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated this month that Google’s search engine will undergo “profound changes” in 2025, capable of solving more complex problems than ever before, and the company is also preparing for significant updates to its Gemini model. Related reports: Wood Sister's Ark predicts by 2030: ChatGPT costs will drop to one ten-thousandth! Competing with Google for search dominance Meta reportedly develops its own “AI search engine” to generate information summaries in real time, directly confronting Google and Microsoft. The strongest AI tutor is here? OpenAI is said to launch a premium voice mode for ChatGPT on 9/24. Google’s three major AI integrations for the desktop Chrome browser: smart lens search, online shopping price comparison... full explanation "ChatGPT search feature fully opens to free users, will it threaten Google’s monopoly?" This article was first published in BlockTempo (the most influential blockchain news media).