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

7 months 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

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Google Pay Launches In Lebanon With Support From Multiple Banks

Bank Audi, Neo Digital Bank, and Whish Money are all offering support for Mastercard and Visa cardholders.

Published

2 weeks ago

June 25, 2025

Nour Nasir

google pay launches in lebanon with support from multiple banks

neo Bank Audi

Google Pay has officially launched in Lebanon, allowing Android users to make secure, contactless payments via their smartphones. The rollout has been quickly supported by BLOM, BLF, Whish Money, Bank Audi, and its digital banking offshoot Neo Digital Bank. Customers of all three services can now add eligible Mastercard and Visa payment cards to their Google Wallets.

The integration enables in-store tap-to-pay transactions, as well as online and in-app purchases, using the same cards users already carry. For Bank Audi and Neo Digital Bank, the launch covers Mastercard products; for Whish Money, BLOM, and BLF it includes Visa cards. Payments are processed through the Google Pay platform, which maintains cardholder privacy while extending standard card protections.

To begin using the service, customers can download the Google Wallet app from Google Play, select “Add to Wallet,” and follow a short verification process. Once set up, payments can be made with a single tap — eliminating the need to carry physical cards or cash.

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“This launch represents a significant milestone in our commitment to digital innovation and customer convenience,” said Toufic Koussa, CEO at Whish Money. “By making Whish Visa Card available on Google Pay, we’re enabling our customers to make everyday transactions faster, more secure, and more inclusive. It’s about giving them the tools they need to transact seamlessly, wherever they are”.

The move follows the official activation of Google Pay in Lebanon on June 24, 2025, and marks a notable expansion of mobile payment options in a market where Apple Pay has yet to gain traction. Google’s entry is expected to increase digital wallet adoption among Android users and pave the way for further collaborations with regional financial institutions.