Exciting news awaits ChatGPT users as OpenAI, the pioneering company behind the chatbot, has announced the imminent release of new features exclusively for ChatGPT-Plus subscribers. This week, users who have opted for ChatGPT Plus, leveraging the capabilities of GPT-4, will gain access to a remarkable web-browsing feature designed to provide up-to-the-minute information. The addition of web browsing has the potential to revolutionize the functionality of ChatGPT, making it a formidable search engine in its own right.
Prior to this update, ChatGPT was confined in its ability to answer queries, limited by the fact that its training data only extended until 2021. As a result, it lacked the capability to provide information on current events and real-time developments, rendering it inadequate for those seeking up-to-date knowledge. However, with the introduction of ChatGPT’s web browser, users can now pose multiple questions, such as inquiries about the winners of the Oscars in categories like Best Actor, Best Soundtrack, and Best Picture for the current year. In a matter of seconds, the chatbot will summarize the answer along with relevant news articles deemed significant. Should a user desire a more detailed response, they can prompt ChatGPT accordingly.
This announcement comes at a time when an increasing number of users appear to be dissatisfied with the performance of Google’s search engine. Frustrated individuals have taken to platforms like Reddit to voice their complaints, describing Google as “horrible for discovering the internet” and claiming it has become “terrible for nuanced interesting queries,” often returning a seemingly endless list of trivial articles and marketing content. This growing disillusionment with traditional search engines creates a perfect opportunity for ChatGPT to emerge as a valuable alternative.
Moreover, ChatGPT-Plus subscribers will enjoy access to an extensive selection of over 70 third-party plug-ins, encompassing popular web services such as Expedia, Kayak, and Instacart. These plug-ins empower users to instruct ChatGPT to perform various tasks on specific websites, providing a seamless integration of functionality. To illustrate the practicality of these plug-ins, OpenAI demonstrated the utilization of OpenTable and Instacart plug-ins. For instance, a user seeking vegan food options in San Francisco can request ChatGPT to suggest “one great restaurant” for Saturday and provide a “simple recipe” for Sunday. In just seconds, the plug-in can recommend a suitable restaurant and generate a delicious chickpea salad recipe, complete with a convenient list of groceries available for instant ordering through Instacart.
With its newfound features, ChatGPT has the potential to significantly enhance the lives of millions of users. Previously, users turned to the chatbot to boost work productivity, enhance dating profiles, or seek weight-loss tips. However, with the introduction of plug-ins, OpenAI envisions that users can now plan their summer vacations, discover exciting online shopping deals, and explore new dining experiences through existing platforms.
To access these remarkable features, ChatGPT-Plus users can simply navigate to their ChatGPT profile, click on “Settings,” and proceed to the “Beta features” tab, where they can unlock the full potential of the latest updates.
Interestingly, this news arrives just days after Google’s announcement regarding the global availability of Bard, its competitor to ChatGPT, now accessible in 180 countries. Google also unveiled plans to launch an AI-powered search engine and integrate generative AI features into its existing workspace tools, enabling functionalities such as crafting emails on Gmail and analyzing data on Sheets using the power of AI. The simultaneous introduction of these advanced AI tools by OpenAI and Google indicates that the AI wars continue to intensify as Big Tech companies strive to create the most powerful and user-friendly AI solutions,
