ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, has achieved a remarkable milestone with 100 million weekly active users, as announced by CEO Sam Altman at the company’s inaugural developer conference. This surge in demand for AI-driven applications has prompted OpenAI to launch the GPT Store, a marketplace where users can access personalized artificial intelligence ‘apps’ known as GPTs. These GPTs can be tailored to various tasks, such as teaching math or designing stickers, without requiring any coding knowledge.
OpenAI’s aim is to foster an ecosystem of ChatGPT plugins by encouraging developers to work within their platform. The GPT Store, set to launch later this month, will allow individuals to share their GPTs and earn money based on the number of users they attract. This initiative marks a renewed effort by OpenAI to establish a thriving marketplace for ChatGPT plugins, following previous unsuccessful attempts.
Altman presented OpenAI’s vision, envisioning a future where users can simply request tasks from their computers and have them performed effortlessly. However, he emphasized the importance of proceeding cautiously and addressing AI safety challenges through a gradual, iterative approach.
In addition to the GPT Store, OpenAI introduced several updates tailored for developers, including cost reductions. Their GPT-4 Turbo model was unveiled as a more cost-effective and data-handling successor to GPT-4. Furthermore, OpenAI launched application programming interfaces with vision and image capabilities, along with a beta program enabling developers to fine-tune GPT-4 models based on their specific requirements.
OpenAI’s developer conference garnered significant interest, with hundreds of developers eagerly awaiting its commencement. CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, made a surprise appearance, reaffirming Microsoft’s commitment to supporting the development of foundational AI models. Microsoft has already invested over $10 billion in OpenAI.
Altman expressed gratitude for the strong partnership with Microsoft and echoed the need for a cautious approach to address AI safety concerns. OpenAI also introduced its Custom Models program, offering custom GPT-4 models to large enterprises at a premium price. To allay copyright infringement concerns, OpenAI pledged to cover any legal costs incurred by enterprise users, matching offers from Google and Microsoft.
OpenAI’s efforts signify a significant step towards expanding the accessibility and utilization of AI-driven applications. With the potential to reshape the way people interact with technology, these advancements hold promise for the future.
