OpenAI is on the brink of a groundbreaking moment in the world of artificial intelligence. Just as Apple revolutionized the accessibility of smartphone applications through its App Store, OpenAI is now introducing a store for personalized versions of its popular AI bot, ChatGPT.
These customized iterations of ChatGPT, known as ‘GPTs,’ serve specific purposes such as math tutoring or generating marketing materials. OpenAI’s aim is to gauge whether the availability of tailored AI models will lead to widespread adoption, nearly a year after the original launch of ChatGPT sparked a wave of excitement throughout the industry.
During the developer conference where the store was unveiled, OpenAI revealed that ChatGPT boasts an astounding number of over 100 million weekly active users. Additionally, the company introduced a new AI model called GPT-4 Turbo, which comes at a lower price point compared to its predecessor.
This strategic move by OpenAI solidifies its position as the industry standard for building AI applications. The affordable pricing not only entices developers to innovate on top of a tried-and-tested platform but also diminishes the need to start from scratch. In fact, Oppenheimer analyst Timothy Horan commended OpenAI’s strategic pricing approach in a research note.
With the advent of OpenAI’s AI store, powered by the remarkable ChatGPT and its various customized versions, the stage is set for a revolutionary leap forward in AI innovation and accessibility.
OpenAI Launches Store for Customized GPTs
OpenAI, a leading AI development company, has announced its plans to launch a store dedicated to customized Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs). This store, set to be introduced later this month, will enable developers to monetize their GPTs based on user engagement.
However, unlike the Apple App Store, OpenAI has not indicated if GPT creators will have the freedom to set their own fees. This factor could potentially impact the popularity of the store.
The Apple App Store, launched in 2008, played a crucial role in solidifying Apple’s dominance in the smartphone ecosystem. It has also become a significant revenue stream for the company, with $1.1 trillion in developer billings and sales facilitated in 2022.
In the race to establish themselves as the primary platform for consumer AI applications, the Microsoft-OpenAI partnership faces fierce competition from rivals such as Google-parent Alphabet. Meanwhile, Apple is expected to invest billions in its own generative AI development.
Considering that AI technology is still in its early stages and occasionally prone to errors, OpenAI approaches its GPT store ambitions with caution. The company acknowledges that customized GPTs will eventually become capable of autonomous real-world tasks. However, OpenAI emphasizes the need for incremental progress, prioritizing careful technical advancements and safety measures alongside societal adaptation.