Thu Feb 06 04:20:00 UTC 2025: ## OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search Goes Account-Free, Challenging Google and Bing

**SAN FRANCISCO** – OpenAI announced Wednesday that its ChatGPT search engine is now accessible to everyone, removing the previous requirement for a user account. This move directly positions ChatGPT as a competitor to established search giants like Google and Bing.

Previously launched for paid subscribers last October and later expanded to all users in December, the feature allows users to receive AI-generated answers to queries, accompanied by a list of cited sources. The updated interface also incorporates features resembling traditional search engines, including maps and images for local searches, enhancing its functionality and user experience.

This development follows similar moves by competitors, such as Perplexity AI, which also offers account-free web searches and recently integrated TripAdvisor for hotel information. OpenAI’s decision to remove the account barrier suggests a significant push to broaden ChatGPT’s user base and establish itself as a major player in the AI-powered search market.

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