ChatGPT Gains Real-Time Web Access Once Again Now With Microsoft Bing’s Help

While it’s safe to say that ChatGPT has catapulted artificial intelligence into the mainstream since its inception in November 2022, the information users has been able to extract from the popular chatbot stopped in September 2021—till now.

Previously, OpenAI had made the ‘Browsing’ tool available to all users but u-turned on the decision just days later when individuals were found to be using the function to bypass paywalls.

Now, the organization has announced that it will be partnering with Microsoft’s Bing search engine to grant its generative model access to the entire internet and up-to-date information once again.

According to the company, with the update, users will be able to “browse the internet” and keep up with “current and authoritative information, complete with direct links to sources.”

ChatGPT can now browse the internet to provide you with current and authoritative information, complete with direct links to sources. It is no longer limited to data before September 2021. pic.twitter.com/pyj8a9HWkB

— OpenAI (@OpenAI) September 27, 2023

However, those looking at the software as a way to access paywalled content will be disappointed, considering the feature now knows how to exclude paid-for content by recognizing the “robots.txt” code on websites.

As per Venture Beat, while it may seem that typing a query into Bing Chat—also powered by OpenAI—and ChatGPT’s ‘Browsing’ function may seem similar, the latter’s interface allows users to receive information without leaving the site.

This latest addition, similar to the slew of upgraded features that render the program able to “see, hear, and speak,” will be first rolled out to ChatGPT Plus and ChatGPT Enterprise subscribers before expanding to all users.

[via Venture Beat and Reuters, cover image via Boarding1now | Dreamstime.com]