TLDR
- ChatGPT launched a shopping research tool on Monday that creates personalized buying guides with product comparisons and pricing
- The AI feature analyzes user requirements including budget, features, and purchase purpose before generating recommendations
- OpenAI offers unlimited access to all ChatGPT users through the holiday shopping season at no extra cost
- The tool sources data from public retail sites and does not share user information with merchants
- Integration with Instant Checkout will allow future in-app purchases from recommended products
ChatGPT added a shopping research feature on Monday. The tool creates custom product guides for users planning purchases.
OpenAI designed the feature to handle complex shopping decisions. Users describe what they need and the AI builds detailed comparisons.
The shopping assistant asks questions about budget limits and preferred features. It also considers who will use the product before generating results.
Processing takes a few minutes to complete. Simple queries like checking one price still work through regular ChatGPT responses.
The system activates when users type shopping-related questions. Examples include “best noise-canceling headphones under $200” or “birthday gift for a teenage gamer.”
ChatGPT uses previous conversations to inform recommendations. The AI remembers user preferences from earlier chats to improve suggestions.
How the AI Shopping Tool Functions
The feature pulls data from publicly available retail websites. OpenAI states results appear organically without paid placement.
Product guides include top options, specification comparisons, and current prices. The system highlights key differences between similar items.
Users can modify search criteria during the process. They can change budget ranges, add feature requirements, or switch product categories.
OpenAI identified product categories with best performance. These include electronics, beauty products, home items, kitchen tools, and sports equipment.
The company acknowledges potential errors in availability and pricing. Users should verify details before making purchase decisions.
Access and Availability Details
All ChatGPT subscription levels can use shopping research. Free, Go, Plus, and Pro accounts have access on web and mobile platforms.
OpenAI removed usage limits for the holiday period. Users can generate unlimited shopping guides through the end of the season.
The feature works alongside existing ChatGPT capabilities. Users access it through automatic prompts or the main menu.
ChatGPT Pro members get extra functionality through Pulse. This service suggests relevant product guides based on conversation history.
E-Commerce Feature Development
OpenAI released Instant Checkout in September. That tool allows direct purchases from select merchants inside ChatGPT.
Shopping research will link to Instant Checkout later. Users will complete transactions without leaving the chat interface.
The company keeps user data private from retailers. Chat histories and shopping queries remain confidential.
The AI handles various shopping tasks beyond basic searches. Users can find product alternatives, locate deals, compare specific models, or get gift suggestions.
Shopping research accepts image inputs for style matching. Users can upload photos to find similar products in different price ranges.
The tool processes natural language without special formatting. Users describe needs conversationally and receive structured guides.
OpenAI built the feature using ChatGPT’s core language models. The same AI that handles other tasks now manages product research.
The company continues expanding ChatGPT’s commerce abilities. Shopping research marks the latest addition to payment and purchasing features.


