Clippy, the beloved virtual assistant from the Microsoft Office days, is making a comeback with a high-tech upgrade and some ChatGPT superpowers. FireCubeStudios has resurrected Clippy and given it new skills, powered by GPT technology. This upgraded version of Clippy can now assist users with more than just Word and Excel.
The revamped Clippy greets users and offers its assistance, providing specific guidance on tasks like changing wallpapers. For example, if a user asks Clippy how to change their wallpaper, it accurately suggests right-clicking on the desktop and selecting the Personalize option.
To access the AI-driven Clippy, users need to obtain an OpenAI API key, which can be acquired through registration on the OpenAI website. During the initial three-month period, users receive $5 worth of API credit at no cost. These API tokens are used for GPT text processing, and typically, one token corresponds to around four characters of everyday English text. OpenAI charges $0.002 per 1,000 tokens, allowing users to process approximately 2.5 million tokens, equivalent to around 650,000 letters, during the free trial.
Originally introduced as an interface for Microsoft Office’s Help manuals, Clippy had a simpler set of features and relied on less advanced statistical techniques for its responses. However, many users found Clippy irritating and distracting, leading to its default disablement in Office XP and complete removal from Office 2007 onwards. Despite some nostalgia, Clippy’s return with enhanced AI capabilities offers a fresh take on the virtual assistant concept.
Microsoft has also announced its GPT-powered Copilot assistant, which is set to replace Cortana in the coming months. Cortana, introduced to Windows in 2014, relied on Microsoft’s Bing search engine for its functionality. With these new advancements, Microsoft is exploring the potential of AI in virtual assistants, aiming to provide users with more intuitive and helpful experiences.
As Clippy makes its comeback, it brings back memories of the past while embracing the future of AI technology. With its ability to assist users beyond the confines of Microsoft Office, Clippy aims to become a valuable digital companion in various tasks. Whether it’s offering guidance on changing wallpapers or providing helpful insights, this upgraded Clippy is ready to lend a hand and showcase the potential of AI-driven virtual assistants.
Overall, the revival of Clippy with GPT technology highlights the continuous progression of AI in everyday tools and applications. While virtual assistants have come a long way since Clippy’s days, this nostalgic return serves as a reminder of how far technology has advanced and the possibilities that lie ahead.
