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OpenAI Introduces Web Search Feature In ChatGPT
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- OpenAI launched a web search feature in ChatGPT for real-time information.
- ChatGPT can search online based on user queries or manual input.
- OpenAI partnered with news providers to include current information and sources.
OpenAI has announced a new feature in ChatGPT that lets users search the web for real-time information. This tool allows ChatGPT to determine when to perform a web search based on the user’s queries, alternatively, users can choose to initiate a search manually by clicking an icon.
The company introduced a separate web search prototype in July, and those features are now integrated directly into the chatbot.
This new search feature is available for ChatGPT Plus and Team users, as well as those on the SearchGPT waitlist. Enterprise and educational users will get access in the next few weeks, and free users will be able to use it in the coming months.
Users can ask questions in a conversational style, and ChatGPT can enhance its responses by retrieving information from the web. Follow-up questions allow the AI to consider the entire context of the discussion for more tailored answers.
OpenAI has teamed up with various news and data providers, like the Associated Press and Reuters, to provide current information in various categories. The feature also includes links to sources, allowing users to check out more details related to their questions.
This search tool is built on a refined version of GPT-4o , using advanced techniques to improve its capabilities. OpenAI plans to keep enhancing the search experience, especially in areas like shopping and travel.
As of now, ChatGPT can remember things about users for later. It does this automatically at times or can be prompted to do so. The new search tool doesn’t have memory capabilities yet, meaning each search starts fresh.
However, Adam Fry, OpenAI’s product lead for search, stated that this feature should be available in the next few quarters, enabling OpenAI to provide more personalized results based on what it knows, as reported by MIT Technology Review .
This launch is happening as tech giants ramp up their AI search efforts. Meta is reportedly working on its own AI search solution, while Google has recently expanded its AI overview feature to over 100 countries, as pointed out by The Verge .
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Ex-Disney Staffer Charged For Dangerous Menu Hacks
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- Scheuer altered menus, removing allergen info and changing fonts to Wingdings.
- Scheuer faces charges under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
- He could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
A former Disney employee, Michael Scheuer, has been arrested and charged with hacking the company’s systems to alter restaurant menus, potentially endangering patrons’ health, as reported on Wednesday by The Register .
The complaint against Scheuer indicates that shortly after his firing, he exploited still-active work credentials to access a menu creation system contracted by Disney.
By July, he had changed all font characters to Wingdings symbols, rendering the menus unusable and knocking the system offline for weeks. The complaint detailed that when the system attempted to retrieve the original font, it instead pulled the altered files, which propagated throughout the entire database, as noted by The Register.
In addition to the font changes, Scheuer allegedly downloaded menus awaiting printing and redirected QR codes to a site urging users to boycott Israel.
Most alarmingly, he is accused of removing allergen information from menus, falsely suggesting that certain foods were safe for those with allergies. Disney reportedly identified and isolated these altered menus before they could reach restaurants, noted The Register.
The complaint further alleges that Scheuer conducted denial-of-service attacks against Disney employees by creating a script that bombarded login pages with incorrect attempts.
Investigators discovered that he had tried to cover his tracks using the Mullvad VPN, but records revealed connections to his work account. His computer also contained virtual machines with evidence linking them to the attacks, noted The Register.
Crucially, personal information of the Disney employees targeted in the attacks was found on Scheuer’s computer, including details belonging to one employee’s relative. Following a tip-off from the FBI regarding a search warrant for his Google account, Scheuer reportedly appeared at the victim’s home, said The Register.
The FBI has charged Scheuer with two violations of the CFAA for knowingly transmitting harmful programs and causing significant damage. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison, noted The Register.
Currently, he remains in custody pending a bond hearing, with no date set for that proceeding. Disney has not commented on the case, said The Register.
