ChatGPT: Your Complete Guide to the AI-Powered Chatbot and Its Features

ChatGPT, OpenAI's revolutionary text-generating AI chatbot, has made waves since its debut in November 2022. Originally designed to enhance productivity through quick essay and code writing with minimal prompts, it has transformed into a powerhouse, utilized by over 92% of Fortune 500 companies. This remarkable growth has placed OpenAI at the forefront of AI innovation, significantly bolstered by its recent partnership with Apple, paving the way for the upcoming generative AI tool, Apple Intelligence.

In 2024, OpenAI introduced its flagship omni model, GPT-4o, which now serves as the default free model, equipped with advanced voice and vision capabilities. However, following a demonstration, OpenAI paused one of its voices, Sky, due to concerns it mimicked Scarlett Johansson’s voice from the movie "Her."

The company is grappling with internal challenges, including the notable departure of co-founder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, coinciding with the dissolution of its Superalignment team. Additionally, it faces a lawsuit from various Alden Global Capital-owned publications, including the New York Daily News and the Chicago Tribune, related to alleged copyright infringement—following a similar lawsuit initiated by The New York Times last year.

Below is a comprehensive timeline of the latest ChatGPT product updates and launches, continually revised throughout the year. For further inquiries, check out our detailed ChatGPT FAQ.

Timeline of Recent ChatGPT Updates

October 2024

- New 'Canvas' Interface for Writing and Coding: OpenAI launched the "Canvas" workspace, enabling users to generate text or code and edit specific sections seamlessly. Currently in beta for ChatGPT Plus and Teams users, the feature will soon be available to Enterprise and Edu tier customers.

- OpenAI Raises $6.6B, Valued at $157B: OpenAI completed the largest venture capital round ever, securing $6.6 billion and achieving a valuation of $157 billion. This funding round, spearheaded by Thrive Capital, brings the total raised to $17.9 billion according to Crunchbase.

September 2024

- Potential Price Increase for ChatGPT: Reports indicate that OpenAI plans to increase individual ChatGPT subscription fees from $20 to $22 by year-end, with projections of reaching $44 by 2029.

- Departure of CTO Mira Murati: OpenAI's Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati stepped down after over six years, shortly followed by exits from key research personnel, revealing shifts in leadership structure.

- Rollout of Advanced Voice Mode: Advanced Voice Mode is being expanded to additional ChatGPT subscribers, featuring a new design and enhancements, including faster conversational responses and five new voice options.

August 2024

- Content Partnership with Condé Nast: OpenAI has partnered with Condé Nast to feature stories from iconic publications like The New Yorker and Vogue within ChatGPT, aiming to enhance user engagement.

- First Impressions of Advanced Voice Mode: We noted that Advanced Voice Mode offers faster responses and unique answers compared to existing virtual assistants, while still falling short of replacing them entirely.

July 2024

- Launch of Advanced Voice Mode Alpha: OpenAI began releasing realistic audio responses to select Plus users, following delays due to concerns about voice resemblance to a celebrity.

- Testing SearchGPT: A prototype of SearchGPT is being tested, designed to provide enhanced search queries and follow-up questions as it competes with existing search engines.

June 2024

- Collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory: OpenAI announced a partnership focusing on utilizing AI to advance research in healthcare and bioscience, extending its commitment to impactful collaborations.

May 2024

- New App for macOS: A dedicated ChatGPT app is now available for Mac users, featuring easy access via keyboard shortcuts and the ability to upload files.

- Release of CriticGPT: This new model aims to identify and correct mistakes in ChatGPT’s code outputs, enhancing overall accuracy.

This ongoing evolution of ChatGPT highlights the continual advancements and challenges OpenAI faces in the AI landscape while striving for user-oriented improvements and collaborations. For a deeper look into each update, stay connected with our regular updates.