OpenAI is gearing up to launch the GPT Store, a marketplace for custom apps built on its text-generating AI models like GPT-4. Set to debut next week, the store is an evolution of OpenAI’s mission to transition from an AI model provider to a platform. This move was foreshadowed with the introduction of plug-ins for ChatGPT in March, which marked OpenAI’s foray into third-party collaborations within its model ecosystem.
The GPT Store was initially unveiled during OpenAI’s first annual developer conference, DevDay, last year. However, it faced delays, likely attributed to a leadership shakeup in November when CEO Sam Altman was temporarily ousted by the board of directors, only to be reinstated later with a new board. The upcoming launch signals OpenAI’s commitment to providing developers with a platform to showcase and share their GPT creations with a wider audience.
Developers keen on contributing to the GPT Store need to adhere to OpenAI’s updated usage policies and GPT brand guidelines. This ensures compliance and eligibility for listing on the GPT Store. Verification of user profiles and publishing GPTs as “public” are additional prerequisites for inclusion.
GPTs, renowned for their versatility, do not necessitate coding expertise and can range from simple to intricate applications. For instance, a GPT can be trained on a cookbook collection, becoming adept at answering questions about specific recipes’ ingredients. Alternatively, it could ingest a company’s proprietary codebases, enabling developers to assess coding style adherence and generate code aligning with best practices.
OpenAI has streamlined the GPT-building process with the GPT Builder tool. Developers can articulate their GPT’s desired capabilities in plain language, prompting the tool to create an AI-powered chatbot. While developers have had the ability to create and share GPTs through the ChatGPT website, the GPT Store provides a public platform for listing these creations.
One of the lingering uncertainties is whether the GPT Store will introduce a revenue-sharing scheme. In November, Sam Altman and CTO Mira Murati hinted at the absence of a firm plan for GPT monetization. The recent email about the GPT Store’s impending launch does not shed light on developers’ potential earnings. OpenAI has promised more details to be revealed next week, leaving developers eagerly awaiting information on the payment structure.
OpenAI’s evolution from a model provider to a platform reflects the company’s strategic vision. By introducing plug-ins for ChatGPT, it embraced third-party collaborations and is now poised to democratize generative AI app creation through the GPT Store. This shift has the potential to reshape the landscape for consultancies that focus on building GPT-like models for clients.
As OpenAI navigates these transformative waters, the GPT Store emerges as a pivotal milestone. The platform not only empowers developers to showcase their creations but also signifies OpenAI’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and vibrant ecosystem around its GPT models. With the promise of more details on monetization and other aspects, the launch of the GPT Store is poised to make waves in the AI and developer communities, ushering in a new era of creativity and innovation.
