Heard about the latest features being launched by ChatGPT? Learn everything you need to know!

Different Features in the ChatGPT AI Tool

AI Overviews are automated, AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of search results or alongside video content. When a user searches for a topic, instead of listing only individual videos or links, YouTube's AI Overview can generate a brief textual summary or synthesis of what the content is about.

1. Shopping Search Integration

ChatGPT has partnered with Klarna to offer real-time shopping recommendations directly within chat conversations. When users ask product-related queries like “Best budget smartphones under $300.”:

Now, the ChatGPT AI tool returns actual shopping results pulled from the web. This development means users can now skip traditional search engines for product queries, making AI a one-stop shop for product research. It also suggests a future where Paid Ads could be integrated, providing companies with ad placement opportunities right inside AI-generated answers.

2. WhatsApp Search Capability

Another major addition is the integration of WhatsApp search. Users can now query WhatsApp -related topics or functionalities directly through ChatGPT. Although this feature is still under refinement, it’s expected to make communication-centric AI usage more seamless, especially for users in business and customer service sectors.

3. Improved Citations

OpenAI has taken a strong step toward transparency by improving how citations appear in ChatGPT responses. Previously, the AI would generate information without clearly showing where the data came from. Now, when a user receives an answer based on web browsing, the response includes clickable footnotes and link previews. This helps users trace back the source.

4. Real-Time Web Browsing Upgrades

The web browsing tool has now been fine-tuned to retrieve the most recent and relevant information. This means when users ask time-sensitive queries like “What’s the latest in AI regulations in 2025?” the tool scans the web and produces updated results, often with citations. This allows users to stay informed without leaving the platform.

5. Memory Feature (Coming Soon)

Another exciting feature under development is the memory update, allowing ChatGPT to remember user preferences, frequently asked topics, and prior interactions. While still in its early stages, this function aims to offer a personalized AI experience akin to having a virtual assistant that learns and adapts over time.

Is Paid Advertising a Part of the New Features?

As of now, OpenAI’s ChatGPT AI tool does not include Paid Ads within its interface. The shopping results it displays are not sponsored. They are pulled using integrations like Klarna to serve organic product data.

However, the potential for Paid Ads is on the horizon. By incorporating product search features and enabling real-time browsing, ChatGPT is laying the groundwork for a monetization model that could rival traditional search engine advertising. If implemented, sponsored product placements or even AI-driven paid promotions may soon coexist with Organic Results.

For digital marketers, this could open a whole new channel for ad visibility, especially if ChatGPT’s user base continues to expand. While the current results are unbiased, OpenAI might eventually roll out advertising models similar to those seen on Google and Meta platforms.

Final Thoughts about the Update

OpenAI’s recent updates to the ChatGPT AI tool reflect a clear strategy: transform ChatGPT from a conversational model into a full-service AI assistant. By adding features like shopping integrations, WhatsApp search, and enhanced web citations, the platform is becoming increasingly indispensable for daily digital tasks.

Though Paid Ads are not part of the current rollout, their integration seems like a natural progression as AI tools become gateways for commercial discovery. For businesses, these updates hint at an evolving SEO and marketing landscape. It's no longer just about ranking on Google; being visible to AI assistants like ChatGPT could become equally vital. As the tool grows in capability, brands and developers alike must consider how to optimize their presence not just for search engines, but for AI-driven platforms as well.