BREAKING: ChatGPT is now a “Web-Browsing Chatbot”; no longer limited to data before September 2021

OpenAI, the developer of the popular ChatGPT, has announced its chatbot can browse the internet to provide users with the latest and reliable information. This expands its capabilities beyond data from before September 2021, OpenAI claims in a Twitter update today.

Since it introduced browsing in May, the company said it has listened to user feedback and made improvements. OpenAI said it made improvements to make sure ChatGPT respects website rules, like following the robots.txt file and identifying itself correctly.

This browsing feature is helpful for tasks needing current information, like research, product choices, or travel planning. Currently, it’s available for Plus and Enterprise users, and OpenAI plans to make it available to all users soon. To use it, you can select “Browse with Bing” under GPT-4.

OpenAI also shared a video demo on Twitter, showing ChatGPT finding the “latest reviews” for a commuter bike. The response named the Schwinn Discover as the top affordable choice and provided a link for more details. It shows how handy ChatGPT’s browsing feature can be.

Some users have speculated that this significant update is in response to competition from Google Bard, suggesting that the competitive landscape is driving improvements to ChatGPT.

One user shared their perspective on the frustration associated with traditional online searches, often inundated with advertisements. They highlighted ChatGPT’s ability to provide concise answers without the accompanying barrage of ads that tend to linger for extended periods.

ChatGPT’s expanded capabilities, including web data retrieval, make it an incredibly valuable tool for those in search of accurate and up-to-the-minute information. It has evolved into a dynamic and relevant platform that excels at keeping users informed about current events, aiding in research efforts, and serving various other purposes.

OpenAI has recently introduced voice and image features to ChatGPT, improving user interaction. Users can now engage in voice conversations with ChatGPT and share images to enhance their discussions. These enhancements make ChatGPT more versatile and user-friendly for everyday use.