SAN FRANCISCO: OpenAI on Monday released the latest version of the artificial intelligence (AI) technology that underpins ChatGPT, making it free to all users. “We are very, very excited to bring GPT-4o to all of our free users out there,” Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati said at a virtual launch event in San Francisco.
GPT-4o represents the newest iteration of the cutting-edge AI model that powers ChatGPT, OpenAI’s flagship chatbot. CEO Sam Altman had teased the arrival of GPT-4 in a previous statement, describing it as technology that “feels like magic.” The release of GPT-4o marks a significant milestone for OpenAI, reflecting its commitment to democratizing access to advanced AI capabilities.
The decision to provide GPT-4o free of charge comes as OpenAI aims to expand the user base of ChatGPT and enhance its capabilities. Despite the initial success of ChatGPT, which rapidly garnered 100 million monthly active users upon its launch in late 2022, the platform has faced fluctuations in traffic over the past year. By offering GPT-4o at no cost, OpenAI seeks to reinvigorate interest in ChatGPT and solidify its position in the AI landscape.
Notably, OpenAI had been rumored to announce an AI-powered search product, sparking speculation about potential competition with Google. However, the company opted to delay this announcement, choosing instead to focus on unveiling GPT-4o and showcasing updates to ChatGPT during the livestream conference.
The incorporation of real-time, accurate web information into ChatGPT represents a significant advancement, addressing a key limitation of the current iteration. Industry experts have highlighted the importance of equipping ChatGPT with search engine-like capabilities to enhance its utility and competitiveness. While previous attempts to integrate real-world information into ChatGPT through plugins were retired in April, the launch of GPT-4o signals a renewed effort to address this challenge.
