OpenAI recently shared in a release note that they will be introducing ChatGPT Plugins to subscribers of ChatGPT Plus. In their announcement, they mentioned that this beta release will enable ChatGPT to have internet access and utilize over 70 third-party plugins.
The note said that ChatGPT Plus users would
“enjoy early access to experimental new features, which may change during development. We’ll be making these features accessible via a new beta panel in your settings, which is rolling out to all Plus users over the course of the next week.”
OpenAI made an official announcement in March, revealing 11 third-party plugins, which included branded options from Instacart, Kayak, and Zapier. However, the current release will expand the availability of over 70 third-party plugins, encompassing a variety of functionalities such as chess playing, recipe finding, live soccer updates, and nutrition assistance. Developers interested in creating their own ChatGPT plugins can join a waitlist to gain access to this feature.
Why increased access to ChatGPT plugins is a big deal?
The introduction of ChatGPT plugins has the potential to significantly impact the landscape of generative AI, transforming ChatGPT from a mere tool into a versatile platform. Enabling ChatGPT to access the internet can contribute to reducing hallucinations and aid brands in enhancing their data collection processes. However, this advancement also raises concerns about the potential consequences, such as the potential decline of website traffic (since ChatGPT can browse on behalf of users) and potential security risks related to sensitive data. (https://ausoma.org)
Undoubtedly, the expanded availability of ChatGPT plugins to all ChatGPT subscribers, for a monthly fee of $20, marks a significant and transformative advancement in ChatGPT’s capabilities. This development conveniently coincides with Google’s recent announcement of major Bard upgrades during last week’s I/O event, adding further momentum to the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-powered conversational systems.
The open source community poses a looming threat, with numerous developers dedicating their efforts towards building autonomous AI agents capable of web-surfing. Recently, demos of AutoGPT and AgentGPT generated a significant buzz on Twitter. Furthermore, startup Hyperwrite showcased its AI agent capable of web-surfing through a Chrome extension. As such, OpenAI is operating at a rapid pace to stay ahead of the competition, as they have always done.
With OpenAI CEO Sam Altman scheduled to testify before Congress tomorrow, it will be intriguing to observe whether the lawmakers addressing him possess a comprehensive understanding of both the potentials and the potential risks associated with the wider accessibility of ChatGPT plugins to the public. The discussion holds significance as it pertains to the implications and responsible deployment of this technology.
