Previously, ChatGPT could only provide answers with data updated until September 2021. Now, this chatbot is supplemented with the ability to access the internet through Bing, helping users get answers with updated data after the above timeline.
OpenAI once stated that the ChatGPT chatbot can only answer questions with data available before September 2021. However, that has now changed after ChatGPT added internet access support to answer questions, through Microsoft’s Bing search engine.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), OpenAI said that since it first launched the web browsing feature in May, the company has received positive feedback. Browsing the web is especially useful for things that require up-to-date information, such as doing technical research, choosing a bike, or planning a vacation. The web browsing feature is currently available for Plus and Enterprise users. OpenAI says it will soon expand to all users. To enable, users should select ‘Browse with Bing’ in GPT-4’s selector.
The use of Bing as the search engine for ChatGPT is not accidental. Previously, Microsoft’s Bing Chat also used OpenAI’s GPT-4 as its part. Microsoft has invested billions in OpenAI, and as a result, they have access to services even before OpenAI deploys them.
OpenAI has been quite busy lately. Earlier this month, they announced DALL-E 3, a new version of their ChatGPT-accessible artificial intelligence (AI) image generator to help create digital works of art.
A few days ago, the company announced new features for its ChatGPT mobile app on iOS and Android, allowing users to voice chat with ChatGPT. This chatbot can interact by voice in the style of one of five default characters. In addition, users can also take a photo and have ChatGPT analyze it.