14-5-2024 (NEW YORK) OpenAI has launched an upgraded version of its AI engine, GPT-4o, alongside significant changes to its user interface, aimed at enhancing the experience for both free and subscription users of ChatGPT.
The latest model, GPT-4o, is set to reduce the performance gap between the free version, ChatGPT 3.5, and the subscription-based ChatGPT 4.0, which costs $20 per month. This new model promises more advanced capabilities and a smoother, more conversational interaction with users. When ChatGPT initially launched in November 2022, it spurred a surge of generative AI products from startups like Anthropic and tech giants such as Google and Microsoft.
During a livestream on Monday, OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati, announced that GPT-4o would bring GPT-4-level intelligence to all users, including those using the free service. Murati highlighted that the new model is twice as fast and 50% cheaper than the previous GPT-4 Turbo, introduced in late 2023. Additionally, GPT-4o will support 50 languages and be available via API for developers to integrate into their applications.
To further improve accessibility, OpenAI is rolling out a desktop app and a revamped user interface, designed to make interactions more intuitive and natural. The new interface supports real-time conversational speech, allowing users to interrupt and interact with the AI more fluidly. Users can also invoke ChatGPT with the phrase “Hey, ChatGPT.”
OpenAI has introduced several new ways to interact with ChatGPT, including the ability to share videos, screenshots, photos, and documents. This means users can now, for instance, show a video of a math problem and get help solving it, or share images and ask for detailed explanations. The AI can also reference previous conversations, search for real-time information, and perform advanced data analysis on uploaded charts or code.
This announcement comes just before Google’s annual I/O developer conference, where AI is expected to be a central theme, particularly with their Gemini chatbot and Search Generative Experience. Similarly, Apple is anticipated to highlight AI advancements at its WWDC event in early June.
Despite ChatGPT 3.5’s limitations, it has been praised for handling basic and moderately complex queries effectively. The enhancements in GPT-4o aim to build on this foundation, offering a more robust tool for users.
OpenAI’s commitment to continuous improvement and hinted at future developments beyond GPT-4o. “We care a lot about the next frontier,” she said. “Soon we’ll be updating you on our progress towards the next big thing.”
