News

OpenAI Prepares To Make ChatGPT Search Available To All

The company is expanding its ChatGPT Search feature to all users, no subscription needed, offering web results, voice integration, and more.

Published

2 years ago

December 17, 2024

Nour Nasir

OpenAI

If you’ve been holding out to get your hands on ChatGPT Search, the wait is nearly over. During OpenAI’s latest “12 Days of OpenAI” livestream event, the company confirmed on Monday that the tool will soon be accessible to everyone — no subscription required. Previously limited to paying users, OpenAI now says the rollout will happen “over the coming months,” meaning anyone with an account will gain access.

Once the feature goes live, using ChatGPT Search will be pretty straightforward. If your query calls for updated information, the chatbot will automatically pull in real-time results from the web. There’s also a new web search icon built into the prompt bar, letting you manually trigger a search whenever you need it. For added convenience, OpenAI has introduced the option to set ChatGPT Search as your browser’s default search engine.

Alongside this update, OpenAI is also combining ChatGPT Search with its Advanced Voice mode. The integration means the chatbot’s voice assistant can now search the web for answers and respond conversationally. For instance, if you’re planning a trip, you could simply ask ChatGPT about the weather forecast for your journey. Thanks to the Search functionality, it’ll provide you with the most current information available.

Also Read: Foundster Is Dubai’s New AI-Driven Company Setup Service

To power these real-time capabilities, OpenAI has partnered with top news and data providers. As part of this expanded functionality, you’ll also start seeing widgets for live stock updates, sports scores, weather reports, and other helpful information. It’s becoming clear that ChatGPT Search isn’t just another AI feature — it’s quickly shaping up to be a strong alternative to Google.

In previous sessions of “12 Days of OpenAI,” the company has unveiled features like Sora and a new $200 ChatGPT Pro subscription plan. With four more days left in the series, OpenAI might still have a few surprises in store, but the move to make ChatGPT Search widely available is already one of its biggest highlights.

Related Topics:Artificial Intelligence ChatGPT OpenAI

Up Next

UAE Prepares To Launch Two Satellites: Thuraya-2 And MBZ-SAT

Don't Miss

IBM Opens New Doha Office To Support Qatar’s Digital Growth

Click to comment

News

New Disney+ Streaming App Has Officially Launched In The UAE

The app’s recommendations now factor in what’s popular in the UAE, and a dedicated Junior Mode gives kids their own corner of Disney+.

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

Dana Saadeh

Disney

A new Disney+ app has officially launched in the UAE, and subscribers can now keep watching their favorite titles when they travel. Disney+ says access extends across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The app is built around a dynamic homepage and simpler navigation, with recommendations drawn from each customer’s viewing habits and what’s popular in the UAE. Content from Hulu and ESPN is now easier to find alongside Disney+’s own library, the company says. Audio and subtitles come in up to 25 languages, and supported devices get high-quality video and sound.

For families, the app includes Junior Mode, a dedicated, simplified version of Disney+ for younger viewers, built around age-appropriate shows and movies. It sits alongside existing controls such as PIN-protected profiles, customizable content ratings and account notifications when a profile is changed.

The catalog still spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu and FX. Returning series include Season 8 of “The Kardashians,” Season 23 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Season 38 of “The Simpsons”. Also on the service are the second season of International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series “Rivals,” comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”.

Also Read: Best Video Streaming Services In The Middle East

Marvel Television’s “VisionQuest” is on the way, and Disney’s live-action “Moana” is due later this autumn. Beyond Hollywood, the Turkish title “Halef” is coming to the platform alongside a lineup of Korean entertainment: Korean-Japanese romantic comedy “Merry Berry Love” is streaming now, and “The Remarried Empress” arrives November 4.

Existing subscribers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in with their current credentials, with on-screen steps covering account confirmation and profile setup. Subscriptions start at AED 49.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

For UAE subscribers planning to travel, the update will likely be well received, but Disney has left one question open. It confirms Europe and the United States as supported markets but doesn’t yet say which others fall under and beyond.