OpenAI has made headlines once again with the announcement that the ‘Browse with Bing’ feature is officially back on ChatGPT. This feature empowers ChatGPT to surf the internet for real-time information, a significant enhancement for users requiring current and authoritative data.
Context: A Brief History
The ‘Browse with Bing’ feature was initially launched in May but was temporarily disabled on July 3, 2023. The decision to deactivate the feature was rooted in concerns about potential misuse, including the bypassing of paywalls on subscription-based websites. Since its deactivation, OpenAI has been committed to resolving these issues and has now reintroduced the feature with key updates.
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
What’s New: Following Feedback and Making Improvements
OpenAI has made improvements based on user feedback received since the original launch. These updates include adherence to robots.txt files and identification of user agents. This allows websites to have greater control over how ChatGPT interacts with their content, ensuring a more secure and respectful browsing experience.
User Benefits: Applications and Accessibility
The browsing feature is particularly beneficial for tasks requiring the most current information. Whether it’s conducting technical research, deciding on the right bike to purchase, or planning a vacation, ChatGPT can now provide more accurate and up-to-date advice, complete with direct links to authoritative sources. Initially, this feature will be available to Plus and Enterprise users, with plans to roll it out to all users in the near future.
About ChatGPT: More Than Just a Chatbot
ChatGPT, launched on November 30, 2022, is a large language model fine-tuned for conversational applications. Built on either the GPT-3.5 or GPT-4 architecture, it allows for dynamic, human-like interactions. Users can steer the conversation in terms of length, format, style, and level of detail, making it a versatile tool for various applications. Its ability to understand context, nuance, and humor has garnered significant attention since its release.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect
OpenAI continues to invest in the development and refinement of ChatGPT, with each version building upon the capabilities of its predecessors. The reintroduction of ‘Browse with Bing’ is a noteworthy step in the model’s evolution, promising a more versatile and informed conversational experience for users.
