OpenAI launched significant updates to ChatGPT, including internet browsing capabilities which allows it to offer users more up-to-date information.
Until now the data it was restricted to was no later than September 2021.
Company statement
“Since the original launch of browsing in May, we received useful feedback.
Updates include following robots.txt and identifying user agents so sites can control how ChatGPT interacts with them.
Browsing is particularly useful for tasks that require up-to-date information, such as helping you with technical research, trying to choose a bike, or planning a vacation. Browsing is available to Plus and Enterprise users today, and we’ll expand to all users soon. To enable, choose Browse with Bing in the selector under GPT-4,” OpenAI said.
OpenAI said the feature would open up to all users soon.
Concern behind old info
Providing false information had been a concern among US authorities.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had sent a letter to the company asking information on how it tackles risks to people’s reputations.
OpenAI said it would work with the FTC.
The reason it took this long for it to release this update was mainly computing costs.
It said every single query costs OpenAI a few cents.
The latest update comes after another major update earlier this week, which enables ChatGPT to engage in voice conversations and interact with users through images.
Why all these updates?
These updates are indicative of the company’s development strategy and focus on user interaction and real-time information.
All of this lends the chatbot broader appeal and utility which could serve to increase its user base and, by extension, its market value.
Share sale coming soon?
Recently there have also been media reports suggesting that OpenAI is exploring a possible sale of existing shares at a greater valuation than just a few months ago.
Talks involving higher valuations appear to be in line with the series of updates that are likely to make ChatGPT a more competitive product both to consumers and to businesses.
