OpenAI once again demonstrated this Monday the speed with which artificial intelligence advances, and, for many, it hit the table again, marking how it is a few steps ahead of its competition.
The artificial intelligence firm presented a new language model, GPT-4o, with much more advanced capabilities to interact with it by voice.
But, above all, if its presentation attracted attention for something, it was because of the number of functionalities, until now restricted to paying users, that are now released for the free version of the chat. The new model is included.
This announcement calls into question the relevance of the ChatGPT Plus paid subscription. Is it worth continuing to pay for additional services when the essentials are offered for free? What strategy does OpenAI follow with this, especially considering that it is still far from being profitable?
GPT-4o: A giant within everyone’s reach
OpenAI has marked a milestone by offering its most advanced model, GPT-4o, for free. This model not only handles text but also processes audio and images, considerably expanding its usefulness. Additionally, features like memory and web browsing that were reserved exclusively for paying subscribers are now extended to all users.
OpenAI appears committed to democratizing access to the most advanced AI tools, extending intelligent features to all its users.
In a way, the basic idea could be that OpenAI first seeks to have as many users as possible use its products. But how do you monetize if you release most of the functions?
From the most advanced models to the GPT Store: everything you can do now with free ChatGPT
Let’s review what free users get that they didn’t have before:
- GPT-4 level intelligence: Both the new GPT-4o and GPT-4 models are now accessible to all users.
- Multimodal interactions: Users can obtain responses from the model and the web, analyze data, and create graphs, facilitating a variety of tasks that until now were restricted to text only.
- Improved experience with files and photos: It is now possible to upload photos and files to request help in creating summaries, writings, or analyses, expanding the use of ChatGPT in fields such as education and research.
- Memory and GPT Store: Users can enjoy a more personalized experience with the memory function and access custom GPTs in the GPT Store, which is also available to paying users.
What’s still exclusive to ChatGPT Plus?
Despite the democratization of several functions, ChatGPT Plus still has its privileges. Subscribers have access to a higher number of interactions per hour and are often the first to experience new features, such as the recent update that includes an advanced voice mode.
These types of exclusivity are crucial for users who depend on this technology for more intense tasks or who want to be at the technological forefront, but they may not be so crucial for a significant number of your current clients.
Is ChatGPT Plus worth it then?
The subscription to ChatGPT Plus has a price of 20 dollars per month.
For a casual user, it may not be a minor cost, especially now that many of the features are available for free. However, for professionals who require intensive and continuous use, this fee can be justified by the efficiency and extended access capacity it offers.
Faced with this new reality, users must evaluate their frequency and mode of use. For the average user, the free version might be enough, but for those looking to maximize the technology available without waiting even a second, ChatGPT Plus may still make sense.
The question is also: Where is OpenAI going as a company? Are you focusing your business on collaboration with other companies and leaving aside the end user? Perhaps the next update will bring new features for paying users that will return to the previous status quo.
You may also like: AI Integration App – Unite All Top Chatbots Easily
