OpenAI has introduced a new “ChatGPT Search” feature, enabling its chatbot to browse the web and answer user queries. Executives hinted that AI autonomy could become a major focus for 2025.
On October 31, OpenAI announced this feature, allowing ChatGPT to search the internet based on user queries. Users can also manually activate a web search by selecting the web search icon. Previously limited in web access, ChatGPT now offers quick, contextually accurate answers with links to relevant sources, which traditionally required a separate search engine.
This feature builds on OpenAI’s collaborations with prominent news outlets, including the Financial Times, Le Monde, Prisa Media, and Axel Springer. OpenAI isn’t alone in AI-driven search advancements; Meta is also reportedly developing a similar tool to compete with Google and Bing.
Autonomous ChatGPT
During a recent Reddit AMA, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman and other key executives hinted at potential autonomous capabilities for ChatGPT as a significant theme in 2025. Responding to a Reddit user’s question about independent task execution, chief product officer Kevin Weil noted this autonomy would likely be a “big theme” for the coming year. Additionally, Altman mentioned forthcoming updates for the DALL-E image generator, although these aren’t tied to a “GPT-5” release.
While OpenAI hasn’t officially announced autonomous AI features, the industry is buzzing with anticipation for “agentic AI” to become a top trend in 2025.
