OpenAI announced on Monday that it has upgraded ChatGPT’s web search functionality to make online shopping more intuitive and personalized. The updated feature now delivers custom product recommendations complete with images, user reviews, and direct purchase links, enhancing the AI’s role as a virtual shopping assistant.
This significant enhancement is part of the capabilities built into OpenAI’s latest AI model, GPT-4o. According to the company, the feature is now available globally across all ChatGPT usage tiers—including Free, Plus, and Pro users—as well as for those browsing without logging into the platform.
Smarter, Ad-Free Product Recommendations
With the new update, users who ask targeted shopping questions will receive curated results across a wide range of categories, including fashion, beauty, electronics, and home essentials. These suggestions will be powered by structured metadata from third-party sources, such as pricing, product details, and customer reviews.
Importantly, OpenAI emphasized that these results will remain completely independent and free of commercial influence. The company confirmed it will not display advertisements or earn commissions from purchases made through links provided in ChatGPT.
Rising Demand for AI-Powered Search Tools
OpenAI introduced its web browsing feature last year, and it has quickly grown into one of ChatGPT’s most popular tools. In the past week alone, users conducted over one billion searches using the platform, demonstrating growing demand for AI-driven search alternatives.
By removing ads and focusing entirely on user intent, OpenAI is positioning itself as a strong challenger to Alphabet’s Google, which dominates the search market but often presents ad-heavy results.
Competing with Google in a Crowded Market
This upgrade also marks a strategic step for OpenAI as it continues to expand ChatGPT’s use cases and challenge entrenched digital services. While Google has long served as the default destination for online shopping searches, OpenAI now offers a cleaner, more personalized experience—one that may appeal to users tired of paid placements and cluttered results.
The company’s no-ad, no-commission policy could further boost trust and credibility among users seeking objective shopping guidance.
Surging User Growth Bolsters OpenAI’s Momentum
OpenAI’s user base has grown rapidly in recent months. A company spokesperson previously reported that ChatGPT surpassed 400 million weekly active users as of February. This milestone reflects the AI tool’s growing appeal across both casual and professional users worldwide.
As ChatGPT evolves into a comprehensive assistant—capable of handling tasks from creative writing to intelligent shopping—OpenAI’s influence over how people access and use the web continues to expand.
