The company started to roll out an update for its language model on 13 June that will allow users to search the web more effectively than doing so with Google Search.

In its recent release notes, OpenAI explained it has improved the quality of searches on ChatGPT to give “smarter responses that are more intelligent, are better at understanding what you’re asking, and provide more comprehensive answers”, and to ensure the software can now “handle longer conversational contexts, allowing better intelligence in longer conversations”.

The company added that its artificial intelligence now has “more robust ability to follow instructions, especially in longer conversations, significantly reducing repetitive responses”, and the language model has the “capability to run multiple searches automatically for complex or difficult questions”.

ChatGPT can also now search the web using an image that users have uploaded.

OpenAI noted that “users may notice longer responses with this new search experience”, and that a “chain of thought” may appear “in some cases”.

The company added “reasoning will show up unexpectedly for simple queries” and “a fix for this is rolling out to users shortly”.

In its original ChatGPT Search announcement in October, OpenAI promised the software “blends the benefits of a natural language interface with the value of up-to-date sports scores, news, stock quotes, and more”.

Open AI said in a statement: “Getting useful answers on the web can take a lot of effort. It often requires multiple searches and digging through links to find quality sources and the right information for you. 

“Now, chat can get you to a better answer: Ask a question in a more natural, conversational way, and ChatGPT can choose to respond with information from the web.

“Go deeper with follow-up questions, and ChatGPT will consider the full context of your chat to get a better answer for you.”