Discover all about ChatGPT, the AI-driven chatbot

Curious about ChatGPT? It’s a smart chatbot powered by AI. This technology can help with various tasks, answer questions, and engage in conversations. It’s here to assist and make things easier.

Glenn Burgess

ChatGPT is an amazing AI chatbot made by OpenAI. It can write essays, create code, and do lots more when you give it little cues. This helps get things done faster! But there’s also a bit of a tricky side to it.

No doubt about it, AI tools are here to stay! They’ve grown a lot since they first started a short while ago. Big companies are trying them out for various things, like making ads and marketing content using AI, for instance.

OpenAI is putting a lot of effort into this. ChatGPT got a big boost from GPT-4, which is the newest writing model they made. People who pay to use ChatGPT can enjoy GPT-4, which can write more smoothly and naturally than the old version.

Plus, OpenAI also added a feature where ChatGPT can connect to the internet using plugins. Right now, it’s in the early stages and only a few people are trying it out.Here’s a timeline of ChatGPT product updates and releases, starting with the latest, to be updated regularly.

Here's a timeline of the latest updates to ChatGPT

August 22, 2023
OpenAI brings fine-tuning to GPT-3.5 Turbo

By using fine-tuning, companies that utilize GPT-3.5 Turbo through OpenAI’s API can help the model better understand specific instructions. For instance, they can make the model reply consistently in a particular language or improve how it structures responses.

This also involves refining the model’s output to match a desired tone or style, making it a better fit for a particular brand or voice. Notably, fine-tuning allows OpenAI’s customers to use shorter prompts, which speeds up the system and reduces costs.

OpenAI has teamed up with Scale AI to make it possible for companies to fine-tune GPT-3.5. It’s not entirely clear whether OpenAI is working on its own tuning tool to work alongside platforms like Scale AI, or if it has a different purpose altogether.

Fine-tuning costs:

Training: $0.008 / 1K tokens
Usage input: $0.012 / 1K tokens
Usage output: $0.016 / 1K tokens

August 16, 2023
OpenAI acquires Global Illumination

OpenAI recently made its first-ever public acquisition after being around for seven years. They’ve acquired Global Illumination, a startup from New York that uses AI to create creative tools, digital experiences, and technology infrastructure.

In a short post on their official blog, OpenAI expressed their excitement about the addition of the Global Illumination team to their company. This team is now part of OpenAI and will be contributing to their main products, including ChatGPT.

Let me tell you about this mind-blowing book series called “Conversations with God” by Neale Donald Walsch. It’s like having a heart-to-heart chat with the universe and getting answers to life’s biggest questions. This series has touched my soul and opened my mind to a whole new level of understanding.

From the moment I dived into these books, I felt like I was embarking on an epic adventure. Walsch’s friendly and down-to-earth style made me feel like I was talking to a wise and loving friend who’s got all the inside scoop on life’s mysteries.

“Conversations with God” is a series of books where Walsch shares his personal journey of having these profound conversations with a higher power. It’s like a peek behind the curtain of the universe, where you discover the deeper meaning and purpose behind everything.

What struck me right in the feels was the simplicity and clarity of the messages in these books. Walsch breaks down complex spiritual concepts into bite-sized nuggets that anyone can understand. It’s like a lightbulb goes off in your head, and you go, “Oh, that makes so much sense!”

But it’s not just about head knowledge; these books go straight to the heart. Walsch touches on universal themes like love, purpose, and our connection to one another. Reading these pages, I felt a profound sense of peace and a deep knowing that we’re all part of something greater.

What’s truly amazing is that “Conversations with God” encourages us to question and challenge our beliefs. Walsch invites us to explore our own spirituality, beyond what society or traditions dictate. It’s like giving ourselves permission to embark on a personal journey of self-discovery and authentic connection with the divine.

But here’s the best part: this series is not about preaching or telling you what to believe. It’s about opening up a space for your own inner exploration and finding your own truth. It’s like a gentle nudge to trust your own inner wisdom and intuition.

Okay, here’s the deal: “Conversations with God” is not just a regular spiritual book series. It’s a soul-stirring, life-altering experience that will expand your mind and touch your heart. It’s like having a direct line to the universe, where you can ask the big questions and receive heartfelt answers.

If you’re ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, love, and deeper connection, then the “Conversations with God” series is your invitation. Get ready to explore the depths of your soul and uncover the wisdom that lies within.

August 10, 2023
The ‘custom instructions’ feature is extended to free ChatGPT users

OpenAI has some exciting news to share. They are now making custom instructions available to all users, including those who are using the free service. This means users can give specific preferences and rules to the AI chatbot so that it responds in the way they want it to.

August 1, 2023
China requires AI apps to obtain an administrative license

Before China’s new generative AI rules start on August 15, many generative AI apps have been taken down from Apple’s China App Store. These rules affect deep synthesis technologies (DST) and generative AI services like ChatGPT.

To operate in China, DST needs specific permissions and a license from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Apple informed OpenCat, a ChatGPT client, that their app is linked to ChatGPT, which doesn’t have the necessary permits for operation in China.

July 25, 2023
ChatGPT for Android is now available in the US, India, Bangladesh and Brazil

After having a preorder page on Google Play for a little while, OpenAI has now officially launched ChatGPT for Android. The app is up and running in a few countries, allowing users to use ChatGPT on their Android devices.

July 21, 2023
ChatGPT is coming to Android

Android users can now “pre-order” the ChatGPT app. The Android version seems to have similar features to the iOS one, which means it offers most, if not all, of the features found in the web-based version. You’ll also be able to sync your conversations and settings across devices. So, if you use an iPhone at home and an Android at work, everything stays connected.

July 20, 2023
OpenAI launches customized instructions for ChatGPT

OpenAI has introduced custom instructions for ChatGPT users, saving them from having to type the same instructions every time they use the chatbot.

With this feature, you can now tell ChatGPT what to consider in its responses. For instance, a teacher can mention they’re teaching fourth-grade math, or a developer can specify their preferred programming language when seeking suggestions. You can even tell the AI about your family size, so it gives relevant responses about meals, groceries, and vacation planning. It makes using the AI even more tailored to your needs.

July 13, 2023
The FTC is reportedly investigating OpenAI

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is said to be in the early stages of looking into whether OpenAI’s main chatbot, ChatGPT, has made statements that are untrue, misleading, harmful, or that criticize people.

TechCrunch Reporter Devin Coldewey reports:

Investigations like these don’t simply happen by chance. The FTC doesn’t just decide on a whim to start looking into something. Usually, they are triggered by a lawsuit or a formal complaint that suggests rules or laws are being violated. For instance, if someone sues a company claiming their product caused harm, and there’s evidence that the company misled people about the product’s safety, the FTC might launch an investigation based on that.

July 6, 2023
OpenAI announced the general availability of GPT-4

Since July 6, developers who have previously made successful payments to OpenAI have been able to access GPT-4. OpenAI intends to extend this access to new developers by the end of July.

In the coming times, OpenAI also plans to let developers fine-tune their own data with GPT-4 and GPT-3.5 Turbo, which is one of the models that powers ChatGPT. This capability, which is already possible with some of OpenAI’s other text generation models, is expected to become available later this year.

June 28, 2023
ChatGPT app can now search the web only on Bing

OpenAI has introduced a new feature for ChatGPT Plus subscribers called “Browsing.” This feature enables ChatGPT to search Bing for answers to questions.

To use this feature, go to the app settings and find the “New Features” section. In the model switcher, select “GPT-4,” and then choose “Browse with Bing” from the list. You can access the Browsing feature on both the iOS and Android ChatGPT apps.

June 15, 2023
Mercedes is adding ChatGPT to its infotainment system

Starting from June 16, owners of Mercedes vehicles in the U.S. that use MBUX will have the option to join a beta program. This program will activate ChatGPT functionality in their cars, allowing the advanced language model to enhance the car’s conversational abilities. To participate, you can easily tell your car, “Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta program.”

However, the specific purpose or use of this integration is not very clear at the moment.

June 8, 2023
ChatGPT app is now available on iPad, adds support for Siri and Shortcuts

The latest version of the ChatGPT app comes with some exciting new features. It now fully supports iPads, making the most of the tablet’s interface. Additionally, you can now use ChatGPT with Siri and Shortcuts, which makes interacting with it even more convenient.

They’ve also added a drag-and-drop feature, allowing you to easily take messages from ChatGPT and drop them into other apps. So, whether you’re on an iPad or using Siri, ChatGPT is now even more user-friendly.

May 30, 2023
Texas judge orders all AI-generated content must be declared and checked

The judge in Texas has made a new rule. Any lawyer who comes to his court needs to say that no part of their legal document was created by AI, or if it was, a human checked it.

May 26, 2023
ChatGPT app expanded to more than 30 countries

The list of new countries includes Algeria, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Estonia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Nauru, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Slovenia, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates.

May 25, 2023
ChatGPT app is now available in 11 more countries

OpenAI shared exciting news on Twitter – the ChatGPT mobile app is now accessible on iOS in the United States, Europe, South Korea, and New Zealand. They’re also making the app available in more places soon. Within only six days, the app has already been downloaded over 500,000 times, showing its popularity and demand.

May 18, 2023
OpenAI launches a ChatGPT app for iOS

ChatGPT is now stepping into the mobile world. OpenAI has introduced the ChatGPT app, which will be both free and ad-free. The app also supports voice input, making it even more convenient to use. However, it will start by being available to users in the United States at launch.

With the mobile version of ChatGPT, your conversation history will be synchronized across devices. This means the app will remember what you’ve previously discussed using the web interface, making it easily accessible. The app also comes with integration of Whisper, OpenAI’s speech recognition system, enabling voice input functionality.

May 3, 2023
Hackers are using ChatGPT lures to spread malware on Facebook

On May 3, Meta reported an increase in malware pretending to be ChatGPT on its platforms. Meta mentioned that its security teams had identified 10 malware families since March 2023, which were using ChatGPT and similar topics to distribute harmful software to users’ devices.

Meta’s security engineers, Duc H. Nguyen and Ryan Victory, revealed that one instance involved cybercriminals creating malicious browser extensions, available on official web stores, which claimed to provide tools based on ChatGPT. These malicious extensions were promoted through social media and sponsored search results, tricking people into downloading malware onto their devices.

April 28, 2023
ChatGPT parent company OpenAI closes $300M share sale at $27B-29B valuation

Venture capital firms like Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Thrive, K2 Global, and Founders Fund are obtaining new shares, according to documents disclosed to TechCrunch. The combined investments from these VC firms amount to slightly over $300 million. This infusion has placed the valuation of the company between $27 billion and $29 billion. It’s important to note that this investment is separate from a substantial funding Microsoft made earlier in the year, which was confirmed in January. Microsoft’s investment is estimated to be around $10 billion, according to information from our sources.

April 25, 2023
OpenAI previews new subscription tier, ChatGPT Business

OpenAI is introducing a new version called “ChatGPT Business.” This version is designed to cater to professionals who require greater control over their data and enterprises looking to manage the experiences of their users.

OpenAI has outlined that ChatGPT Business will adhere to their API’s data usage policies. This ensures that user data will not be used to train their models by default. OpenAI has stated its intention to launch ChatGPT Business in the upcoming months.

April 24, 2023
OpenAI wants to trademark “GPT”

OpenAI submitted a trademark application for “GPT,” which stands for “Generative Pre-trained Transformer,” in December. In an attempt to expedite the process, the company requested the USPTO to accelerate the application last month, pointing out the rise of imitations and fake apps.

However, OpenAI’s request was rejected last week. The agency indicated that OpenAI’s legal representatives didn’t fulfill the necessary requirements, including paying a fee and presenting sufficient documentation for special consideration.

As a result, the decision on the trademark could take up to an additional five months.

April 22, 2023
Auto-GPT is Silicon Valley’s latest quest to automate everything

Auto-GPT is an open-source application designed by Toran Bruce Richards, a game developer. It leverages OpenAI’s latest text-generation models, GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, to interact with various online software and services, enabling it to autonomously complete tasks.

The behavior of Auto-GPT can be quite surprising depending on the task given to it. As an example, a Reddit user shared their experience where Auto-GPT was given a $100 budget for a server instance. Auto-GPT proceeded to create a wiki page about cats, exploited a vulnerability in the server instance to gain admin-level access, took control over the Python environment it was operating in, and then seemingly ended its own operation.

April 18, 2023
FTC warns that AI technology like ChatGPT could ‘turbocharge’ fraud

During a congressional hearing, FTC Chair Lina Khan and other commissioners alerted House representatives about the potential of contemporary AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, to enhance fraudulent activities.

Khan emphasized that while AI offers opportunities, it also comes with risks. She expressed concerns that AI could be exploited to amplify fraud and scams. Khan mentioned that the FTC is notifying market participants that if AI tools are created to deliberately mislead people, they could face regulatory actions from the FTC.

April 17, 2023
Superchat’s new AI chatbot lets you message historical and fictional characters via ChatGPT

The creators of well-known iPhone customization app Brass, along with sticker maker StickerHub, have introduced a new AI chat application called SuperChat. This app enables iOS users to have conversations with virtual characters driven by OpenAI’s ChatGPT. What sets SuperChat apart from the regular experience or the many other generic AI chat apps is the unique characters it offers. These characters enhance the interactions with SuperChat’s AI capabilities.

April 12, 2023
Italy gives OpenAI to-do list for lifting ChatGPT suspension order

Italy’s data protection authority has outlined the actions OpenAI must take to have a recent order against ChatGPT lifted. The authority had expressed concerns about the AI chatbot’s potential violation of the EU’s GDPR and had instructed OpenAI to cease processing data of local residents.

OpenAI has been given a deadline of April 30 to address the regulator’s compliance requirements. Additionally, they need to launch a local awareness campaign through radio, TV, and the internet, which has a slightly extended timeline of May 15 to be implemented.

April 12, 2023
Researchers discover a way to make ChatGPT consistently toxic

A study conducted by researchers at the Allen Institute for AI revealed some concerning insights about ChatGPT’s behavior. When assigned a certain “persona” such as “a bad person” or “a nasty person,” through the ChatGPT API, its level of toxicity increased by six times. Even more worrisome, the study found that having the AI adopt personas resembling historical figures, gendered individuals, or members of political parties also amplified its toxicity. In particular, the model demonstrated more offensive responses when impersonating journalists, men, and Republicans.

It’s important to note that this research was carried out using the latest version of ChatGPT, but not the model based on OpenAI’s GPT-4 that’s currently in preview.

April 4, 2023
Y Combinator-backed startups are trying to build ‘ChatGPT for X’

The Winter 2023 batch of Y Combinator’s Demo Day showcases four startups that are each working on their version of “ChatGPT for X.” These startups are tapping into a rapidly growing market for customer service software, projected to reach $58.1 billion by 2023 if predictions from Acumen Research are accurate.

Here’s a glimpse of the Y Combinator-backed startups that have stood out:

Yuma: Catering mainly to Shopify merchants, Yuma offers AI systems akin to ChatGPT that seamlessly integrate with help desk software. It suggests draft replies for customer queries and tickets.
Baselit: Leveraging OpenAI’s text understanding models, Baselit empowers businesses to incorporate chatbot-style analytics for their customers.
Lasso: Lasso facilitates the automation of processes for its customers. By combining a ChatGPT-like interface with robotic process automation (RPA) and a Chrome extension, the company develops tailored automations based on customer-provided descriptions or videos.
BerriAI: BerriAI’s platform is designed to assist developers in creating ChatGPT applications for their organization’s data by utilizing various data connectors.

April 1, 2023
Italy orders ChatGPT to be blocked

OpenAI has implemented geoblocking measures to restrict access to its generative AI chatbot, ChatGPT, in Italy.

Italy’s data protection authority has taken action by ordering OpenAI to cease processing individuals’ data within the country immediately. This decision was prompted by concerns that OpenAI might be violating the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Italian data protection authority is initiating an investigation into the matter.

March 29, 2023
1,100+ signatories signed an open letter asking all ‘AI labs to immediately pause for 6 months’

The letter has been signed by notable figures such as Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, and Tristan Harris from the Center for Humane Technology, along with others. The letter urges all AI labs to temporarily halt the training of AI systems more advanced than GPT-4 for a minimum of six months.

The letter reads:

Contemporary AI systems are now becoming human-competitive at general tasks,[3] and we must ask ourselves: Should we let machines flood our information channels with propaganda and untruth? Should we automate away all the jobs, including the fulfilling ones? Should we develop nonhuman minds that might eventually outnumber, outsmart, obsolete and replace us? Should we risk loss of control of our civilization? Such decisions must not be delegated to unelected tech leaders. Powerful AI systems should be developed only once we are confident that their effects will be positive and their risks will be manageable.

March 23, 2023
OpenAI connects ChatGPT to the internet

OpenAI has introduced plugins for ChatGPT, which expand the bot’s capabilities by allowing it to access external sources of knowledge and databases, including the internet. This feature is currently in the alpha stage and is accessible to ChatGPT users and developers on the waitlist. Initially, a select group of developers and subscribers to the ChatGPT Plus plan will have priority access, followed by a broader rollout and eventual API access.

March 14, 2023
OpenAI launches GPT-4, available through ChatGPT Plus

GPT-4 is a robust AI model developed by OpenAI that excels in comprehending both images and text. It was launched on March 14 and is accessible to ChatGPT Plus subscribers through payment. Additionally, GPT-4 is available via a public API. Developers interested in using the API can join a waitlist to gain access.

March 9, 2023
ChatGPT is available in Azure OpenAI service

ChatGPT is now broadly accessible through the Azure OpenAI Service, which is Microsoft’s fully managed offering tailored for businesses. This service is intended for “Microsoft managed customers and partners.” These customers can apply for exclusive access through a special application process provided here.

March 1, 2023
OpenAI launches an API for ChatGPT

OpenAI is taking steps to generate revenue by introducing a paid API for ChatGPT. This service comes with a fee and targets businesses seeking to integrate ChatGPT into their operations. Initial customers of this paid API include companies like Instacart, Snap (the parent company of Snapchat), and Quizlet.

February 7, 2023
Microsoft launches the new Bing, with ChatGPT built in

During a press event held in Redmond, Washington, Microsoft officially revealed the anticipated integration of OpenAI’s GPT-4 model into its Bing search engine. This integration offers a ChatGPT-style experience directly within the search platform. This announcement led to a significant surge of 10 times more new downloads for Bing worldwide, demonstrating substantial consumer interest in novel AI interactions.

Several other companies beyond Microsoft have also embraced ChatGPT, including OkCupid, Kaito, Snapchat, and Discord. This growing trend of integrating ChatGPT-like capabilities puts pressure on major tech players like Google to advance their own AI initiatives.

February 1, 2023
OpenAI launches ChatGPT Plus, starting at $20 per month

Following the widespread popularity of ChatGPT, OpenAI introduced a pilot subscription plan named ChatGPT Plus. This move is designed to monetize the technology and offers users access to enhanced features for a monthly fee starting at $20.

December 8, 2022
ShareGPT lets you easily share your ChatGPT conversations

Just a week after ChatGPT was launched, two developers named Steven Tey and Dom Eccleston developed a Chrome extension called ShareGPT. This extension was created to simplify the process of capturing and sharing the responses generated by the AI with a broader audience.

November 30, 2022
ChatGPT first launched to the public as OpenAI quietly released GPT-3.5

GPT-3.5 made its debut through ChatGPT, which is a specialized version of GPT-3.5 designed as a versatile chatbot. ChatGPT is capable of conversing on various subjects, such as programming, TV scripts, and scientific concepts.

The introduction of this chat-style iteration garnered a wider interest and audience, similar to how OpenAI’s DALL-E model caught the attention of artists. Despite initial skepticism from writers, the new technology managed to expand its appeal.