OpenAI’s ChatGPT Gets a Shopping Research Tool Just in Time for the Holidays

OpenAI just released a new ChatGPT shopping research tool that gives you buying recommendations. Just tell it what you’re looking for and the tool returns a list of options from other websites, including prices, specs and comparisons. The best part? It’s available to everyone who’s registered, no matter what plan, and there are no limits until the end of the year.

Start with something simple like “find me the quietest cordless stick vacuum for a small apartment” and see how ChatGPT picks up on the details. It’s not a quick answer, but rather goes into research mode and opens a new chat window for it. From there the conversation flows naturally: it asks a few questions to narrow down the details, like how much you’re willing to pay and what features are must-haves. As you go, it generates your list in real time using current information from various websites. Before you know it, a sleek and easy-to-read guide with the top options appears, along with side-by-side comparisons of noise levels, battery life, and genuine user feedback. Clicking on any of the products will take you straight to the retailer’s website, where you can make a purchase.

Give it a list of three bike options and it will compare the frames, gears and riding quality to your specific requirements, like if you’re commuting in the city or off road. Photos and review samples will give you a clear picture of what you’ll get, so you can make an informed decision rather than relying on vague promises. Even vague concepts like “something for a fishing dad who never catches anything” will give you some options.

When you search for a gaming laptop under $1,000 with a screen over 15 inches it will start searching major retailers for options and verifying the speeds and graphics cards. Beauty products are treated the same way, so if you’re looking for a product for a specific skin type it will try to match you. Home and garden products are the same, so if you’re looking for a tool that fits in a small space or handles different soils it will give you options. Sports equipment is another strong suit, you can compare running shoes or camping tents based on weight, waterproofing and user reviews. Even if you upload a photo of a dress and ask for a full length version under $250 it will find several matches that will give you fabric info and sizing charts from other websites.