September 29, 2023: On a recent Wednesday, OpenAI conveyed via an X (formerly known as Twitter) post that ChatGPT can now browse the internet in real time, offering direct source links.
ChatGPT can now browse the internet to provide you with current and authoritative information, complete with direct links to sources. It is no longer limited to data before September 2021. pic.twitter.com/pyj8a9HWkB
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) September 27, 2023
However, there’s a twist: this advanced feature is exclusively for ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise subscribers.
This enhancement implies that for those who pay, ChatGPT isn’t confined to data before 2021. Such a change not only broadens its utility but also boosts its trustworthiness.
Interestingly, ChatGPT’s internet access is powered by Microsoft’s Bing browser.
This collaboration between the two giants was first disclosed at the Microsoft Build event in May and was soon made available to ChatGPT Plus users.
Nevertheless, due to some users misusing it to bypass paywalls, OpenAI temporarily withdrew the feature.
Taking feedback from its user base during this hiatus, OpenAI has reintroduced this feature, incorporating valuable insights.
Now, it comes with added functionalities such as “obeying robots.txt” and allowing sites to manage how ChatGPT engages with them.
Activating this feature is simple; ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise users must select “Browse with Bing” in the GPT-4 drop-down menu.
For those contemplating the utility against cost, a ChatGPT Plus membership stands at $20/month. Given the enhanced accuracy and timely data access, many might deem it a worthy expenditure.
However, OpenAI plans to eventually extend this feature to all users. In the interim, Bing Chat, which is GPT-4 supported, provides free internet access and source sharing, serving as a competent alternative.
In other recent developments from OpenAI, ChatGPT has been upgraded to “see, hear, and speak.” It now accepts and gives back voice and image prompts.
Like the browsing feature, these additions are also reserved for ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise subscribers, expected to be accessible in the forthcoming two weeks.
