It has been more than a week since OpenAI introduced Internet search capabilities to ChatGPT. The new development brings the internet right into the chat interface. Now, one can get real-time results instantly during conversations, without leaving ChatGPT.
OpenAI has also introduced a Google Chrome extension of GPT Search allowing users to access AI-powered search right from the browser. We tested the extension, and it is pretty cool and Chrome users would greatly benefit from it. In our experience, the ChatGPT Search turned out to be a useful tool to gather the latest and relevant information. It also gives one a more personalised search result based on their queries.
If you have access to ChatGPT Search, then here are a few ways you can make it work for you:
Buying guide
In case you are looking to buy something online, ChatGPT search can be your saviour. It not only brings the most latest information but also adds value by giving more insights into the particular product. For instance, we searched ‘Best smartphones for people above 80 years’. The search results showed five smartphones which according to the chatbot were the best smartphones as they, “prioritise simplicity, ease of use, and features that cater to visual and auditory accessibility.”
The list included iPhone SE (2022), Jitterbug Smart3, Samsung Galaxy A14, Doro 8050, and Jitterbug Flip2. According to ChatGPT Search, these devices offer a wide range of functionality for the comfort of elders.
Trip planner
Travelling is one of the most cherished ways to unwind oneself. However, while travel soothes the soul, the task of zeroing in on the one destination at the last moment can get cumbersome. Thanks to search engines, now travel plans have become more organised and effortless. With AI-powered search, getting ideas for the next big adventure is a fun activity.
To start, I looked for a short trip outside Delhi for a long weekend, a trip that is quiet and relaxing. As a response, ChatGPT showed five destinations that were ideal for a peaceful three-day escape from Delhi. According to the chatbot, these destinations “combine quiet relaxation with natural beauty, some historical charm, and unique experiences.” The locations included Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Sariska Tiger Reserve near Alwar, Jim Corbett National Park, Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh, and Mandawa in Rajasthan. These results were shown along with their sources.
Go-to cinephile
The downside of excessive options for entertainment is decision fatigue. With so many movie streaming platforms at your disposal, it is only fair to say that one would have a hard time choosing what to watch. A traditional search engine may bombard you with links to rating sites, and gazillion images. However, ChatGPT search would offer tailor-made results for you based on your liking and situation.
For instance, I used the prompt – “I have a three-hour break, suggest me some comedy movies that I could watch.” In response, ChatGPT shared six movies that were some fantastic, quick-hitting comedy films that were perfect for a three-hour break. The movies listed include ‘What We Do In The Shadows’, ‘This is Spinal Trap’, ‘The Naked Gun’, ‘Rushmore’, ‘Tucker and Dale vs Evil’, and ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox.’ According to the chatbot, all these movies comfortably fit into my three-hour break and offer plenty of laughs.
Meal planner
What to cook for breakfast, is a pertinent question that stares at millions of people in the morning. A quick Google search would show you some exotic-looking options, accompanied by a thousand links. Time is a big constraint here, and would push anyone to shut the browser down. However, with ChatGPT Search, you get simple and easy chunks of practical information. I asked ChatGPT Search to give me a weekly meal plan for everyday breakfasts that are easy to make. Below is what the ChatGPT search recommended:
According to the chatbot, these dishes are easy to make, flavourful and nutritious. “You can also meal prep some ingredients (like batter and chopped vegetables) in advance to save time on busy mornings,” read the search result.
Your travel guide
Imagine you are in a new city for a day, and you have some hours by yourself. What would you do? You can see the nearest tourist attractions, hop on to the local transport, and enjoy street food. Traditional search would throw up a thousand sites and images at once.
As explained earlier, ChatGPT search brings a curated list of the most relevant results. I am travelling to Kolkata for a day next week. I asked ChatGPT to help with sights I could see or activities I could do in a day. The search showed Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Hooghly River Ferry Ride, Belur Math, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Indian Museum, etc. The chatbot suggested taking a ferry ride on the Hooghly River, exploring the Indian Museum, and trying savoury street food at New Market.
A handy bookman
For anyone who loves to read books, ChatGPT Search can be a boon. For the curious mind, the possibilities are endless. I used the prompt – “I am intrigued by the Edwardian Era. Can you recommend some best-selling books from the time?” The chatbot gave a brief introduction to the era that spanned between 1901 to 1910, a time of significant social change and when British society was toying with new literary genres.
The search result showed five classics such as ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ (1902) by Arthur Conan Doyle; ‘The Virginian’ (1902) by Owen Wister; ‘The House of Mirth’ (1905) by Edith Wharton; ‘The Jungle’ (1906) by Upton Sinclair; ‘The Masquerader’ (1904) by Katherine Cecil Thurston. The result described these books as works that illustrated the interests of the people in the Edwardian Era.
Personal stylist
If you have an event coming up and don’t know what to wear, ChatGPT search can be your go-to tool. I used the prompt – “I have a meeting coming up tomorrow, and I want to look the best, help assemble an outfit for this formal gathering.” The search results gave me five tips to help me get ready for the event.
“For a formal meeting, men should opt for a well-tailored suit in neutral colours like black, navy, or grey. A crisp, button-down shirt in white or a soft pastel enhances the professional look. Closed-toe leather shoes, preferably in black or dark brown, and matching socks are essential. Accessories should be kept minimal but polished, such as a wristwatch, simple cufflinks, and a belt. Ensure the fit is sharp and the clothes are wrinkle-free, reflecting attention to detail. Grooming should be neat and professional, as it adds to the overall confident appearance,” a shortened version of ChatGPT search result.
ChatGPT search gives tailored search results accompanied by links to the sources. As of now, ChatGPT search is available to all ChatGPT Plus and Team users and users on the SearchGPT waitlist. In India, ChatGPT Plus is priced at Rs 1,950 per month. However, those without subscriptions do not despair, as OpenAI has plans to extend search access to free users in the coming months.
In the past few months, OpenAI has struck several content licensing deals with major news publishers. (Express Image/FreePik) 
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