According to Bloomberg, OpenAI is planning to enhance the capabilities of ChatGPT by adding new features that would allow the AI to perform web searches and cite sources, positioning it as a direct competitor to search engines like Google and AI startups like Perplexity. This development could significantly change the way users interact with ChatGPT by integrating more dynamic and referenced information directly from the web. According to sources familiar with the matter, the upcoming features being developed will enable ChatGPT users to ask questions and receive answers from various online resources. These responses may include information from Wikipedia, blog articles, and even visual aids such as charts when relevant. For example, a query about how to replace a doorknob might return a step-by-step guide accompanied by visual instructions. As OpenAI faces increasingly fierce competition in the AI field, search functionality has become a crucial battleground. OpenAI has decided to expand the capabilities of ChatGPT in response. Competitors such as Perplexity, which recently reached a valuation of $1 billion, and tech giant Google are also leveraging AI to enhance search technology for improved accuracy and user experience. By directly integrating search functionality into ChatGPT, OpenAI aims to set new standards for interactive AI systems by providing users with comprehensive and self-contained information retrieval and task assistance tools. The news of OpenAI's potential introduction of search functionality has sparked widespread speculation online, especially after social media users noticed a URL (search.chatgpt.com) that, although displaying a "not found" message, hinted at future functionality. Over a single weekend, this URL briefly redirected to the main page of ChatGPT, fueling rumors about the imminent launch of this new feature. Currently, only subscribers of ChatGPT Plus have access to the web search feature, which can answer queries such as current weather conditions. However, there are some issues, such as outdated responses, highlighting areas where ChatGPT needs improvement in accessing and verifying real-time data.