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OpenAI launches free ChatGPT app for iOS
OpenAI introduces an iOS app for ChatGPT, with an upcoming Android version. The app is free to use, syncs chat history, and supports voice input through OpenAI’s Whisper speech recognition model. Initially available in the US, with plans for international expansion.
Features of the iOS App:
- Free to use, downloadable from the App Store for iPhones and iPads.
- Chat history synchronization with the web version.
- Voice input enabled by OpenAI’s open-source speech recognition model, Whisper.
OpenAI’s Surprise Launch and Popularity:
- OpenAI had not previously hinted at the development of a mobile app.
- ChatGPT gained immense popularity since its launch in November.
- Estimates suggest the app had around 100 million users by January, although unconfirmed by OpenAI.
OpenAI’s Positioning of ChatGPT:
- ChatGPT started as an experimental project but quickly attracted a broad consumer base.
- Users employ the chatbot for various purposes, from academic assistance to business applications.
Premium Subscription: ChatGPT Plus:
- OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Plus in February, a premium subscription for $20/month.
- Subscribers receive priority access and responses generated using OpenAI’s latest language model, GPT-4.
Competition with Microsoft’s Bing App:
- Previously, users accessed OpenAI’s language models on mobile through Microsoft’s Bing app.
- OpenAI’s official app is likely to attract users away from Bing, where access to the chatbot was an incentive for using the app.
Addressing Issues on Mobile:
- ChatGPT faces the same challenges on mobile as on the web.
- Issues include the bot’s tendency to confidently fabricate information and privacy concerns.
- OpenAI recently added the option for private conversations, but the app still advises against sharing sensitive information.
Conclusion and Future Expansion:
- OpenAI’s iOS app launch for ChatGPT provides a dedicated mobile experience.
- It aims to discourage users from downloading spam or fake apps claiming access to the chatbot.
- OpenAI plans to expand the app’s availability to other countries in the coming weeks.