This experience has become very popular and familiar so much so that “Googling” itself turned into a globally used verb.

However, according to Google, that era is now changing permanently or maybe redefined.

During the keynote presentation by Liz Reid at this year’s edition of the Google I/O event, she officially declared that Google Search is now AI Search; a statement that shows the trajectory of the internet currently.

It was not just marketing language; it represents the biggest transformation of Google Search since the company launched in 1998.

What Exactly Does this Mean?

Google Search has evolved many times over the years. From voice search, to image recognition and, recently, AI overviews. However, these upgrades cannot be compared with the scale of what was announced at the Google I/O 2026 event.

Google is not just adding AI features to search like the recent AI overviews. This time, the company is redesigning the entire interface around AI itself.

The main part of this transformation is the newly redesigned search box which is now powered deeply by Gemini. For the first time in nearly 25 years, Google is changing not only how the Search Bar looks, but also how it behaves.

Instead of encouraging short keyword phrases, the new Search interface is now optimised to be more conversational. This implies that users can now ask longer and more detailed questions naturally and get answers. They can also follow up with previous queries without needing to start all over again in a new tab.

Gemini will also be able to perform tasks directly from within the search itself, making it feel less like a tool for finding websites to a personal assistant.

Some of the new Google Search features announced at the Google I/O 2026 include:

• AI agents inside Search that can help users complete tasks like booking restaurants, purchasing tickets, researching products or planning activities automatically.

• More Personal Intelligence support, allowing Gemini-powered Search to understand a user’s preferences more deeply and personalise responses across more regions globally.

• A smarter AI shopping experience featuring an intelligent shopping cart that can track the prices of specific products and compare them, and even help complete purchases automatically.

• More advanced conversational follow-up capabilities that allow users to continue refining searches naturally without repeating information multiple times.

Naturally, this raises concerns.

For some time now, publishers, creators and webmasters have worried about the growing dominance of AI overviews in Google Search results.

People fear that if Google continues to answer questions from users directly using AI, fewer people may actually visit websites. And honestly, this is very understandable, even Google recognises this.

So the company repeatedly emphasised during the I/O 2026 that classic search results are not disappearing anytime soon. This is good news for users who still prefer exploring the internet manually.

According to Google, AI Search is supposed to improve information discovery, not try to replace the open web entirely.

The company also argues that AI-powered Search can actually help users ask better questions, discover deeper information faster and complete tasks more efficiently than before.

Google believes the future of Search is not about removing websites, but about reducing friction between users and information.

However, what is undeniable, is that Google Search has entered its biggest identity shift in its history. For over 25 years, Google defined what searching the internet looked like. Now the company is trying to change it again for the AI era.

• New research reveals that over a third of consumers now turn to AI tools before Google when starting a search, posing serious questions about the future of traditional search dominance
• Expert outlines why AI-first discovery behavior is changing how brands need to approach digital visibility, and what the shift means for SEO-dependent strategies
• Search evolution strategist warns that brands failing to optimise for AI platforms risk becoming effectively invisible in the emerging search economy

For decades, typing a query into Google was second nature, the automatic first step for anyone looking for a product, service, or answer. That default is now being challenged.

Research indicates that over a third of consumers now begin their search journey with an AI tool rather than a traditional search engine, with younger demographics leading the way.

Among 18 to 34-year-olds, AI-first discovery behaviour is even more pronounced.

For businesses and marketers, the implications go well beyond a change in consumer habits. The entire framework of digital discoverability, built around Google’s dominance for the better part of two decades, is now being tested.

Aaron Conway, a search evolution strategist at Ronin Management, a Singapore-based consultancy specialising in AI search optimisation, has been tracking this closely. Below, Conway breaks down what’s driving the shift and what brands need to do about it.

Why Consumers Are Choosing AI First

The appeal of AI search tools is not complicated. When someone types a question into ChatGPT or Perplexity, they get a direct, summarised answer. That convenience is proving difficult to compete with.

“People aren’t abandoning Google because it’s broken,” says Conway. “They’re choosing AI tools because the experience is faster and feels more tailored. You ask a question in plain language and get a coherent answer back. That reduces the mental effort involved in searching, and once people experience that, it’s hard to go back.”

This concept, reduced cognitive load, is central to understanding the appeal. Traditional search requires users to evaluate multiple results, judge source credibility, and synthesise information themselves.

AI tools do much of that work upfront. For straightforward queries in particular, the difference in experience is stark.

The conversational interface plays a role too. AI tools respond in a way that mirrors natural dialogue, which makes the interaction feel more intuitive, especially for users who are less comfortable wading through search results pages. For younger audiences who have grown up with voice assistants and chat interfaces, this format feels entirely natural.

“There’s also a trust element that’s worth acknowledging,” Conway adds. “When an AI platform gives you a curated answer, it carries an implied authority. Whether that trust is always warranted is a separate question, but perceptually, users feel like the heavy lifting has been done for them. That perception is powerful.”

The Implications for Google-Centric Strategies

For brands that have invested heavily in traditional SEO, the growing adoption of AI search tools introduces a visibility problem that keyword rankings alone cannot solve.

When a user finds their answer through an AI platform, they may never visit a website at all. There is no click, no session, no conversion pathway, just an answer, drawn from sources the AI has deemed authoritative. If a brand is not among those sources, it simply does not appear. Unlike a position-four ranking on Google, there is no fallback.

“The risk for brands that are purely Google-focused is that their visibility is becoming fragmented,” says Conway. “They might be ranking well on traditional search and still be completely absent from AI-generated answers. Those are now two very different audiences, and the AI audience is growing.”

Attribution models are also under pressure. When discovery happens through an AI interface, the journey to purchase or enquiry becomes harder to trace. Traditional analytics built around organic search traffic, click-through rates, and referral sources are increasingly incomplete pictures of how customers are actually finding brands.

Conway argues that the solution lies in what he describes as multi-surface optimisation, ensuring a brand is not only findable on Google, but positioned as a trusted, referenced entity across AI platforms, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude.

“Brand entity strengthening is going to become one of the most important investments a business can make over the next two years,” he says. “AI platforms pull from structured data, knowledge graphs, high-authority content, and signals of credibility. If those foundations aren’t in place, a brand isn’t going to show up where it needs to.”

The New Discovery Ecosystem

What is emerging is not a clean replacement of Google but something more layered. Consumers are not abandoning traditional search entirely, but they are moving between AI tools, social search platforms, and conventional search engines depending on the task at hand.

A user might ask ChatGPT for a general recommendation, search Instagram or TikTok for visual inspiration, and then turn to Google to compare specific options. Discovery is no longer linear.

“The brands that will be most resilient are the ones that stop thinking about search as a single channel,” Conway explains. “Discoverability now means being present and credible across multiple surfaces, and that requires a fundamentally different approach to how you build and structure your content and your brand presence online.”

“This is where disciplines like Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO), and Large Language Model Optimisation (LLMO) move from niche services into mainstream strategic necessity,” adds Conway. “Brands that act now, while AI search behaviour is still forming, are better placed to become the default answers that AI platforms return, a position that, once established, is significantly harder for competitors to displace.”

Aaron Conway, director & CEO of Ronin Management, comments:

“The question everyone is asking is whether Google is losing its dominance. The honest answer is that it’s too early to call it a collapse, but the cracks are real, and they’re widening. What we’re seeing is a redistribution of the first moment of discovery, and that moment is everything in digital marketing.

“For 2026 and 2027, my advice to brands is to stop treating AI search optimisation as a future consideration and start treating it as a present-day priority. The businesses that will struggle are those waiting for the trend to fully mature before acting. By that point, competitor brands will already be embedded in the answers AI platforms are serving.

“If your brand isn’t appearing where AI answers questions, you have an existence problem.”

Alongside this important update, Google is highlighting five other essential tips to help you and your family navigate the digital world with confidence.

Whether you are a parent, a student, or just looking to protect your personal data, here’s what you need to know.

Six Ways to Take Control of Your Digital Safety

1. Quickly remove personal, explicit images from Search:

Finding private, explicit images of yourself shared online without your consent is a deeply violating and stressful experience. You need a fast, simple way to request their removal.

The solution: Google has a dedicated removal tool for this purpose. If you find a personal, non-consensual image of yourself in Search, you can click the three dots (“More”) on the image result and select “Remove result.”

You can also fill out a detailed removal request form for any personal, intimate, or explicit content you want taken down.

For general browsing, you can also activate Google SafeSearch in your settings to automatically blur or filter explicit content from your results.

2. Keep your personal ID numbers private and out of Search. 

It can be unsettling to find your personal information, like a driver’s license or passport number, appearing in public search results, leaving you vulnerable.

The solution: Google has introduced a new, simple way to help you find and remove this sensitive information.

You can now check if your government ID numbers appear in Search results and request their removal.

You can access this feature through the “Results about you” hub, located in the Google app by tapping your profile picture. It gives you more control over your sensitive data and helps you keep it private.

3. Guide your children’s screen time and app usage. 

Parents often worry about how much time their kids spend on their devices and what apps they’re using. Setting healthy boundaries is key, but can be difficult to enforce.

The solution: Google’s Family Link app acts as a remote control for your child’s digital life. You can set daily screen time limits, approve or block app downloads, and even lock their device when it’s time for a break. For focused learning, the “School time” feature limits distractions during homework hours, helping your child build healthy digital habits.

4. Stay connected to your teen’s online world while respecting their independence. 

As teens grow, they naturally seek more autonomy, but parents still want to ensure they are exploring online safely.

The solution: YouTube’s supervised accounts provide a balanced approach. They allow teens to explore a wider range of content while giving parents insights into their viewing history and the ability to set content filters. This helps you stay involved and start important conversations, while still respecting your teen’s desire for independence.

5. Encourage deep learning, not just quick answers, with AI. 

For students, it can be tempting to use AI tools to get instant answers for homework, which can hinder real learning and critical thinking.

The solution: Gemini’s Guided Learning feature is designed to turn AI into a teaching assistant. Instead of just giving the answer, it breaks down complex math and science problems into logical, step-by-step explanations.

This empowers students to understand the “why” behind the solution and build the confidence to solve problems on their own.

6. Build the skills to identify false or misleading information. 

It’s getting harder to tell what’s real and what’s not online, from fake news to AI-generated images.

The solution: Teach your family to use the SIFT method. That’s Stop. Investigate. Find. Trace.

Stop before you share, Investigate the source, Find better coverage from trusted sources, and Trace the claims back to their origin.

You can also use tools like “About this image” in Google Search to get context on where an image came from, helping you and your kids become more discerning digital citizens.

• From political shifts to the ‘Labubu’ craze, the 2025 Year in Search lists capture the pulse of Nigerian curiosity.
• The nation paused to reflect on the passing of major icons, including former President Buhari and Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai.
• Local film and music dominate, while Nigerians turn to Google to decode viral slang and explore new culinary frontiers.

From major political shifts to the viral ‘Labubu’ craze, Nigerians turned to Google Search in 2025 to make sense of a year packed with big questions and even bigger cultural moments.

Today, Google’s annual Year in Search lists offer a fascinating digital snapshot of the nation’s curiosity, revealing a country deeply engaged with its leaders, its artists, and the icons who shaped its history.

Politics and People Take Center Stage

This year, Nigerians used Search to stay on top of a fast-moving news cycle. High-profile figures drove significant interest, with Senator Natasha Akpoti emerging as the #1 most searched Nigerian personality, highlighting how central political discourse was throughout the year.

Beyond the domestic scene, Nigerians also kept a close watch on international events, with the Israel-Iran War and the US Elections featuring heavily in search trends.

The nation also paused to honor the legacies of titans who left a lasting mark. The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari triggered a massive wave of searches, as people looked back on his tenure. In the sporting world, fans bid a solemn farewell to Peter Rufai, the iconic former Super Eagles goalkeeper, revisiting career highlights and his contributions to the national team. Search interest also grew around the passing of Pope Francis, marking a moment of reflection for many.

The Sounds and Stories of Nigeria

Entertainment in 2025 was undeniably Nigerian-led. The Trending Songs list shows a nation seeking both spiritual upliftment and high-energy Afrobeats. The gospel resonance of ‘Oluwatosin (Jesus Is Enough)’ by Tkeyz ft. Steve Hills topped the charts, balanced by the infectious energy of ‘Joy is Coming’ by Fido and major collaborations like Davido and Omah Lay’s ‘With You.’

Local pride surged in the film industry as well. Director Kemi Adetiba ranked among the most searched personalities, driven by the success of the hit show To Kill a Monkey, which stood out as the most searched local series.

Decoding Culture, from Slang to the Kitchen

The most colorful insights come from how Nigerians interacted with internet culture. In 2025, Search became the go-to tool for decoding viral trends. The questions list was dominated by people asking, “What is Labubu?”, while the meaning of “Achalugo”, popularized by the YouTube film Love in Every Word, also sent people searching.

In the kitchen, local palates grew more adventurous. Nigerians turned to Google for recipes ranging from the staple Chinchin to the trending Pornstar Martini and health-focused Ginger Shots, blending traditional tastes with global trends.

“The 2025 Year in Search is more than just data; it’s a vibrant, unfiltered mirror of our collective attention,” said Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications & Public Affairs Manager for West Africa. “Whether it’s tracking the biggest headlines, reflecting on the legacies of icons we lost, or simply figuring out the latest slang, these lists show that Nigerians are using Search to actively engage with the world around them.”

Search interest for “AI + studying” surged by over 200% compared to 2024, highlighting how students are increasingly leveraging AI tools as a primary resource for learning.

This trend is part of a broader surge in AI curiosity in Nigeria. Search interest in AI reached an all-time high in 2025, growing by 60% over the past 12 months. Nigerians are not just asking what AI is, but how to use it to enhance their daily lives, particularly in education. The data shows a 60% increase in searches for “AI + lessons” over the past year.

AI Integration Across Academic Disciplines

Students are applying AI to a wide range of subjects. Over the last year, searches combining AI with specific school subjects have seen remarkable growth:

• AI + Chemistry: increased by 50%
• AI + Maths: increased by 30%
• AI + Languages: increased by 30%
• AI + Grammar: increased by 20%

The nature of these searches indicates that students are seeking practical help. Top searched questions for mathematics include, “what is the best AI in the world for solving mathematical problems” and “how to use AI to solve math problems.” Similarly, top searches for studying in general include queries for “AI tutor for students,” “free AI tools for studying,” and “useful AI prompts for studying,” showing a clear demand for accessible and specialized AI-powered educational tools.

Beyond the Classroom: Understanding AI and Preparing for the Future

The interest in AI extends beyond homework and exam preparation. There is a growing curiosity about the technology itself, with trending questions like “how to use ai” (+80%), “what is the full meaning of AI” (+80%), and “who is the father of ai” (+70%) all rising in the past year.

Significantly, as students use AI for their work, they are also becoming more aware of the ecosystem around it. Searches for “AI detection” have seen a massive 290% increase in the past 12 months, suggesting a growing conversation around academic integrity and the responsible use of AI tools.

Looking towards future careers, “Generative AI” was a breakout search term over the past 12 months, often appearing alongside searches for “professional certification.” This indicates that students and young professionals are not only using AI to succeed in their current studies but are also actively looking to build skills that will prepare them for the future workforce.

Olumide Balogun, West Africa Director at Google, said: “It’s inspiring to see Nigerian students so eagerly embrace AI to support their learning journeys. This back-to-school season, the data shows that students are not just using AI for answers, but as a tool to deepen their understanding of complex subjects, from chemistry to mathematics. This curiosity is key to fostering a new generation of innovators, and we are committed to providing tools that empower them to learn, grow, and succeed.”

If the CMA designates Google under this new status, enabled by powers granted under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act that took effect earlier this year, the tech giant would face a set of binding obligations. 

These include offering users alternatives to Google Search, giving publishers more control over how their content is used, and ensuring that businesses have fair access to search visibility. Simply put, the UK is moving to weaken Google’s grip on online discovery.

“Google search accounts for more than 90% of all general search queries in the UK, with millions of people relying on it as a key gateway to the internet,” said Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA. “If competition was working well, we would expect these costs to be lower.”

The regulator is particularly concerned about the implications of Google’s market monopoly on innovation, business costs, and user choice. In 2023 alone, UK businesses reportedly spent over £33,000 per advertiser on Google search ads, a figure the CMA believes reflects limited competitive pressure.

Should the SMS designation go through, Google would be required to implement “choice screens” that allow users to switch easily between competing search engines, including potentially AI-driven assistants. 

It would also have to ensure transparent and non-discriminatory search result rankings, a demand long stated by publishers and rival firms.

Another focus is how Google’s AI-enabled search features, such as AI Overviews, use third-party content. The CMA wants publishers to have more say in how their work is used, particularly given that such content often drive these AI-generated results without sufficient visibility or compensation.

The regulator hasn’t shied away from the fact that this is a transition in oversight. While the EU has already introduced digital regulations under the Digital Markets Act, the UK is opting for a case-by-case, targeted approach that still carries substantial consequences. 

The CMA now has the authority to impose fines and enforce decisions directly, a post-Brexit empowerment it intends to wield.

Google, unsurprisingly, has objected. “Punitive regulation could stop us bringing new features and services to Britain,” warned Oliver Bethell, Google’s senior director for competition. He added, “Proportionate, evidence-based regulation will be essential to preventing the CMA’s roadmap from becoming a roadblock to growth in the UK.”

Though the CMA is quick to stress that its proposed intervention is not a judgment of wrongdoing, it’s also clear that the agency believes Google has used its authority to suppress innovation. 

Beyond traditional search, the CMA also plans to monitor how generative AI technologies, which Google is increasingly embedding into search, may further entrench the company’s position. 

For now, the Gemini AI Assistant will not be covered under the proposed designation, but the regulator says this could change depending on how the technology evolves and is adopted.

This isn’t the only front on which Google faces such in the UK. The CMA is also examining its control over the Android mobile operating system in a separate probe, which could lead to an additional SMS designation targeting mobile software.

Globally, Google’s regulatory issues are increasing. It’s been hit with landmark antitrust cases in the United States, and in the EU it faces accusations of violating digital platform rules. 

The CMA is currently collecting input from industry stakeholders. Its final decision is expected by 13 October 2025.

The feature released by Google in nowcasting in Search will display for weather searches across the continent with more precision than ever before.

What problem is Nowcasting on Search meant to solve?

One critical component for weather forecasts is dense ground radar, which is not available for the majority of the world where billions of people live, according to a blog post by Emmanuel Asiedu Brempong, research Engineer, Google Research Africa, and Shreya Agrawal, software engineer, Google Research.

The need for new approaches and better weather forecasts is especially pronounced in Africa, where ground observations are limited and global weather models tend to exhibit low skill. For example, North America has 291 radar facilities to track weather, while Africa has 37.

“To scale nowcasting in search globally, our Research teams came up with an innovative new approach using globally available satellite observations in our nowcasting models.”

“Using AI and satellite observations, the model was able to fill in the gaps, even in areas where radar was unavailable, overcoming previous limitations in data sparse regions. It is also our first model to directly incorporate observations from a multitude of satellites”, the blog post reads.

Using MetNet, an advanced model, precipitation is predicted with high accuracy via satellite data. This fills gaps in radar coverage, providing better weather insights and enhancing the search experience across the continent.

CEO Sundar Pichai outlined the company’s plans during its latest earnings call, revealing that the year will be a big scale up in how users interact with Search.

According to Pichai, Google is working towards expanding the range of questions people can ask, making Search more intuitive and capable of handling complex queries. “As AI continues to expand the universe of queries that people can ask, 2025 is going to be one of the biggest years for search innovation yet,” he stated.

An interesting part of this evolution involves incorporating features developed by Google’s research division, DeepMind.

The visualises a time where Search functions more like an interactive assistant rather than a tool that simply provides a list of website links. Users will be able to receive direct answers to detailed questions, reducing the need to visit multiple web pages.

Google’s focus on a more dynamic Search experience began after the emergence of competing technologies, particularly OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which challenged the traditional search model.

Since then, Google has been speeding up its efforts to enhance how information is delivered. However, this transition has made businesses and content creators who depend on Search traffic and advertising revenue quite concerned.

One of the most anticipated advancements is Project Astra, a system capable of analysing live video and responding to user inquiries in real-time. Pichai described it as a glimpse into the future, saying, “You can imagine the future with Project Astra.” Google aims to extend this technology to other products, including smart glasses powered by an in-house operating system.

Again, Google is developing Gemini Deep Research, an advanced tool designed to generate in-depth reports. This system could drastically change how people gather information, as it automates tasks traditionally performed through manual searches.

“You are really dramatically expanding the types of use cases for which Search can work – things which don’t always get answered instantaneously, but can take some time to answer,” Pichai explained.

Another project, Project Mariner, will simplify web navigation by interacting with websites on behalf of users. This could reduce the need for people to visit sites directly, further transforming the way Search operates. Pichai also hinted at a more interactive Search interface, allowing users to ask follow-up questions seamlessly.

“I think the [Search] product will evolve even more,” he said. “As you make it more easy for people to interact and ask follow-up questions, etc., I think we have an opportunity to drive further growth.”

Even with Google’s enthusiasm, previous attempts at implementing technology-driven Search features have been criticised. The rollout of AI-generated overviews resulted in several inaccuracies, with bizarre recommendations such as advising users to eat rocks and apply glue to pizza.

While the company acknowledged these shortcomings, it remains focused on enhancing Search through further experimentation.

The list, released today, shows the subjects that overwhelmed the Nigerian digital space, across various societal, cultural, and economic descriptions.

Top News Searches

At the top of Nigeria’s search trends was the US elections, as the nation had strong interest in global politics. Close behind was the search for the new national anthem, a topic that brought about across-the-board discussion following its official reinstatement in May. 

The national grid was also a trending subject due to repeated power outages and systemic failures that disrupted daily life.

Searches for the minimum wage, linked to the government’s announcement of a ₦70,000 baseline, and the Ibadan explosion, which caused some casualties and property damage, further stressed Nigerians’ engagement with pressing domestic issues.

Personalities That Captivated Nigerians
In the personalities category, controversial internet figure Bobrisky topped the list, as the public is continuously fascinated with celebrity culture. 

Political figures like Betta Edu, alongside entertainment personalities like Shallipopi, Khaid, and Bukunmi Oluwashina, showcased a diverse range of interests spanning politics, music, and film.

Globally, figures such as Donald Trump, Kai Cenat, and Kamala Harris drew attention, with Trump’s electoral victory being a particular point of curiosity. In sports, names like Nico Williams and Leny Yoro were among the most searched, highlighting Nigeria’s relentless passion for football.

Questions and Curiosities
Nigerians turned to Google for answers to everyday questions, with “How much is the dollar to the naira today?” leading the way. Other popular queries included “How to get perfectly defined curls for African hair?” and “Why are ice baths good for muscle recovery?” 

The meanings of terms like “demure,” “steeze,” and “pet peeves” also featured tops, emphasizing a desire for clarity in communication and understanding.

Entertainment and Culinary Trends
The Nigerian entertainment scene thrived in 2024, with “I Don’t Care” by Boy Spyce, “Ozeba” by Rema, and “Commas” by Ayra Starr leading the music charts. Lyrics searches for songs like “Ogechi” and “Omemma” by Chandler Moore showed how deeply Nigerians connected with music as a cultural outlet.

In film, movies such as “A Tribe Called Judah”, “Treasure in the Sky”, and “Damsel” were the most searched, alongside TV series like “Supacell” and “Queen of Tears.” Foodies explored recipes for everything from Pornstar Martini to traditional favourites like Chinchin and Frejon, reflecting a mix of adventurous and nostalgic tastes.

Devices That Dominated Searches
As for tech, the most searched devices in Nigeria this year included the iPhone 16, a major release that generated considerable buzz, followed by the Infinix Note 40 and the Redmi 13C and 14C, disclosing the growing interest in affordable yet powerful smartphones. The Infinix Hot 40 also made waves as one of the most popular devices searched by Nigerians.

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google West Africa’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, noted: “The Year in Search offers a lens into the questions, interests, and conversations that shaped Nigeria in 2024. From political milestones to cultural trends, this year’s searches reflect a nation navigating change and seeking to make sense of its evolving landscape.”

This will increase OpenAI’s competition, adding online search which has long been held by Google and is now contested by Microsoft’s Bing and other emerging platforms.

The new functionality allows ChatGPT to perform web searches based on user queries, delivering timely responses alongside relevant links. 

According to OpenAI, this integrated search feature utilises data from third-party providers and content partnerships to curate information that meets users’ needs. 

The company stated in a recent blog post, “ChatGPT search leverages third-party search providers, as well as content provided directly by our partners, to provide the information users are looking for.”

The search enhancements are built on a refined version of GPT-4, with immediate availability for ChatGPT Plus and Team subscribers. 

OpenAI has plans to extend this feature to enterprise and educational clients in the coming weeks, with free users receiving access in stages over the next few months.

OpenAI has formed partnerships with top media organisations, including Condé Nast, Time magazine, the Financial Times, Axel Springer, Le Monde, and Prisa Media. The goal is to refine the search feature through direct feedback from these publishers. 

Importantly, any publisher has the option to be included in the search results, enhancing the breadth of content available to users.

The development follows OpenAI’s earlier prototype, SearchGPT, which provided limited real-time search capabilities. In enhancing ChatGPT’s search functions, OpenAI seeks to compete more effectively with industry leaders while capitalising on recent investments.

In a noteworthy funding round earlier this month, OpenAI secured $6.6 billion, propelling its valuation to approximately $157 billion. This investment cements its status as one of the most valuable private technology companies globally. 

The funding, led by Thrive Capital and including contributions from established investors such as Microsoft and Nvidia, points to the strong investor confidence in OpenAI’s growth trajectory and ongoing innovation in AI.