OpenAI revolutionized the world with the release of its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, one year ago. This powerful AI system showcased its ability to perform a wide range of tasks. Now, OpenAI is taking it a step further by introducing a platform that allows users to create custom versions of ChatGPT for specific use cases. The best part is that no coding is required to create these custom AI agents.
In the coming weeks, OpenAI will launch the GPT Store, where users can access these custom AI agents, known as GPTs. While details about the store are scarce at the moment, OpenAI has promised to compensate creators based on the usage of their GPTs. These custom agents will be available to paying subscribers of ChatGPT Plus and to OpenAI enterprise customers who want to develop internal-only GPTs for their employees.
The announcement of custom GPTs was made at OpenAI’s first-ever developer conference, DevDay, held in San Francisco. During the conference, OpenAI also revealed other exciting developments, including a turbocharged and more affordable GPT-4, reduced prices for developers using OpenAI models in their apps, and the staggering news that ChatGPT now boasts over 100 million weekly users.
OpenAI stated that since the launch of ChatGPT, users have been requesting ways to customize it to suit their specific needs. OpenAI initially introduced Custom Instructions in July, which allowed some level of customization. However, the demand for greater control persisted. Many power users manually compiled carefully crafted prompts and instruction sets, which was a cumbersome process. With custom GPTs, OpenAI automates these customizations, taking the burden off the users.
As part of a demo of OpenAI’s GPT platform, a bot called “Creative Writing Coach” critiqued a writing sample uploaded as a PDF. Another GPT was also quickly created to help attendees navigate DevDay, showcasing the platform’s flexibility. The platform allows users to define how they want their GPTs to interact with people before they are published. For example, the DevDay Event Navigator agent was instructed to be helpful, concise, and avoid scheduling conflicts. It generated conversation starter prompts such as “What’s the first session today?”
Users can grant their GPTs access to web browsing, OpenAI’s DALL-E for image generation, and even the Code Interpreter tool for writing and executing software. The builder interface also includes a “Knowledge” section, where users can upload custom data, such as an event schedule. Additionally, OpenAI introduced Actions, enabling GPTs to connect with external services like Canva and Zapier to access data from emails and databases.
With the introduction of custom GPTs, OpenAI enters into competition with other AI bot platforms like Character.AI and Meta. OpenAI differentiates itself by positioning its platform as a utility-focused solution rather than one emphasizing bots that imitate human communication. However, users are still free to build GPTs with human-like personas.
OpenAI maintains privacy and security for users by ensuring that GPT creators cannot view the chats between users and their GPTs. The level of high-level usage data available to creators is yet to be determined. OpenAI actively monitors activity to prevent fraudulent or harmful content, including hate speech and adult themes. To further safeguard users, the GPT Store will only accept agents from creators who have verified their identities. Initially, GPTs will be accessible through shareable web links.
Ultimately, OpenAI envisions its GPT platform as a stepping stone towards achieving its primary objective of creating an AI superintelligence, or AGI. Additionally, restricting access to paid subscribers through ChatGPT Plus will contribute to accelerating OpenAI’s revenue growth. Reportedly seeking a valuation of up to $90 billion from investors, OpenAI’s revenue potential is substantial.
In conclusion, OpenAI’s release of the GPT platform for creating custom AI agents marks another milestone in the advancement of AI technology. The platform empowers users to tailor AI chatbots to their specific needs without any coding requirements. With its utility-focused approach, OpenAI aims to differentiate itself from other AI bot platforms. As OpenAI moves closer to its goal of AGI development and seeks significant investment, the possibilities for AI technology continue to expand.