Another Major Transformation: ChatGPT Gains "Control" Hands and Feet

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On March 24, 2023, OpenAI made a groundbreaking announcement. They revealed that ChatGPT can now access other websites and retrieve real-time information via third-party plugins, effectively connecting ChatGPT to the internet. OpenAI also introduced two of its own plugins, a web browser, and a code interpreter. Additionally, they open-sourced the code for a knowledge retrieval plugin, allowing developers to host information themselves. Prior to this integration, ChatGPT could only extract information from training data up to September 2021, resulting in outdated responses. With internet access, this issue of outdated information in responses has been effectively addressed.

Jim Fan, an AI scientist at NVIDIA, described OpenAI's move as the equivalent of the "iPhone's arrival," with the plugin functionality being the equivalent of the "iOS App Store" event. In a subsequent tweet, he stated that the "App Store" is just the beginning, and OpenAI's overall plan is to create "an app that has everything," a day that may arrive soon.

In addition to the news about ChatGPT's iterative updates, Google has also made a significant move by officially launching the public beta testing of Bard to compete with ChatGPT. Furthermore, NVIDIA introduced multiple AI platforms and services during the GPU Technology Conference (GTC), further driving the commercialization of AI in general conversation (AIGC).

I. Opportunities for Developers

OpenAI refers to the plugin store as ChatGPT's "eyes and ears," enabling it to search the internet for real-time information and specialized knowledge in various domains. The initial set of available plugin functionalities includes restaurant recommendations, hotel and flight bookings, online shopping, business operations, legal knowledge, professional Q&A, language teaching, and more, covering a wide range of daily life domains.

Image Source: OpenAI

However, there are security concerns about letting ChatGPT act on behalf of users. OpenAI is aware of this issue and has emphasized it in their announcement. They have taken several measures:

User use of this plugin is limited to information retrieval and does not include "transactional operations" such as form submissions. The use of the Bing retrieval API inherits Microsoft's reliability and authenticity in sourcing and more.

OpenAI has also restricted the audience with access to the plugin. Initially, they prioritize a limited number of developers and ChatGPT Plus users. Users interested in this new feature need to join a waiting list. So, what opportunities will the introduction of OpenAI plugins bring?

1. A Plethora of Applications on OpenAI's "App Store"

"It will offer developers opportunities to make money. But unlike Apple's early business model, which was relatively closed, OpenAI is relatively open, allowing developers to use OpenAI's capabilities to enhance their existing products and services," says an entrepreneur in the AIGC domain. Things that were previously difficult for one or even a few developers to accomplish can now be realized.

2. ChatGPT Becomes a Super App

Content production, such as marketing and consulting, will thrive on OpenAI's "App Store." From a user's perspective, if ChatGPT can directly access applications and services in the future, a wide range of efficient tools can be easily integrated into OpenAI, which could pose a threat to existing platform-based companies and customer service providers.

II. The AI in General Chat (AIGC) Frenzy

In response to the challenge posed by ChatGPT, Google officially announced the availability of its chatbot, Bard, for access, initially launching in the United States and the United Kingdom. Users in these countries can now join a waitlist at bard.google.com. As testing progresses, Bard will gradually roll out in other regions.

Google positions Bard as a way to "boost your productivity, speed up your ideas, and spark your curiosity."

Similar to ChatGPT after its integration with the internet, Bard can access current information from the internet and features a "Google it" button for user-initiated searches. Bard can also self-update based on web information and cite its sources.

Perhaps due to a significant drop in Google's market value following a previous announcement, Google is being cautious this time. According to Wall Street Journal, Google has incorporated a lot of Responsible AI work into Bard. Before participating, users must sign a service agreement. The agreement emphasizes that Bard is an experiment and may not always provide correct information. It also warns that Bard might give offensive responses. Whether a cautious Bard can catch up with the "lightning-fast" iterations of ChatGPT and win users' hearts remains to be seen.

In the midst of the showdown between Google and Microsoft, "AI plumbing" company NVIDIA is not sitting idle. On March 21, during the GPU Technology Conference (GTC), NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang announced a series of cutting-edge technologies and products related to AI, quantum computing, chips, and more. This series of AI platforms and services launched this time focuses on solving two major challenges faced by AIGC: computing power and practical applications. It is expected to significantly accelerate the realization of AIGC and create commercial value.

We are currently in the "iPhone moment" of artificial intelligence, and the impressive capabilities of generative AI have put every company on edge. As Jim Fan mentioned on social media, the "App Store" is just the beginning, and OpenAI's overarching plan is to create "an app that has everything," a day that may arrive soon.

Conclusion

The integration of ChatGPT into the internet by OpenAI marks a pivotal moment in the development of artificial intelligence and its real-world applications. This transformation not only opens new doors for developers but also raises the stakes for companies in the ChatGPT product landscape.

As we find ourselves in this era akin to the emergence of the iPhone, it is evident that the transformative potential of AI is sweeping across industries. With the advent of the "App Store" and the promise of an all-encompassing application ecosystem, the future of AI and its applications is promising. OpenAI's vision for a comprehensive application ecosystem seems closer than ever, and the competition and innovation in the AI landscape are set to continue shaping the way we interact with technology.