Another major enhancement is the integration of image-based search. Users can now upload pictures and ask questions based on them, expanding the tool’s usefulness far beyond text input
OpenAI has upgraded its ChatGPT Search tool for all users, aiming to offer more intelligent, up-to-date, and context-aware responses—making it a serious rival to traditional search engines like Google. The new update, rolled out starting June 13, improves the chatbot’s ability to handle complex queries, follow nuanced instructions, and engage in deeper, more coherent conversations. According to OpenAI’s release notes, the AI model now delivers “smarter responses that are better at understanding what you’re asking, and provide more comprehensive answers.”
One of the key improvements is ChatGPT’s enhanced memory for long conversations, allowing it to retain and consider previous context in ongoing chats. This makes the assistant significantly better at managing intricate or layered queries without repeating itself.
The updated version also includes the ability to run multiple web searches automatically to handle complex questions—previously a manual effort for users.
Another major enhancement is the integration of image-based search. Users can now upload pictures and ask questions based on them, expanding the tool’s usefulness far beyond text input. However, OpenAI acknowledged that some users may notice unexpectedly long or overly detailed answers for simple queries. A fix is already being rolled out to adjust the AI’s reasoning patterns in such cases.
The upgraded search experience was initially promised by OpenAI in October 2023. At the time, the company highlighted its goal of combining natural language interaction with live access to web data like sports scores, news, and stock quotes. “Getting useful answers on the web can take a lot of effort,” OpenAI said in a statement. “Chat can get you to a better answer faster, with the context of your entire conversation guiding the response.”
The rollout is available across all ChatGPT users.
