OpenAI Launches GPT Store: A Marketplace for AI-Powered Chatbots
OpenAI has recently unveiled its latest venture, the GPT Store, an innovative marketplace for AI-powered chatbots. This new platform allows developers to leverage OpenAI’s advanced AI models to create bespoke chatbot applications that can generate both text and images. The marketplace, accessible to users with a paid subscription to OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus, ChatGPT Enterprise, or ChatGPT Team, offers a diverse range of GPTs developed by OpenAI’s collaborators and the wider community.
The GPT Store is seamlessly integrated within the web-based ChatGPT client, providing easy access to a variety of GPTs categorized into sections such as lifestyle, writing, research, programming, and education. This intuitive design allows GPT users to quickly find the specific chatbot they require, thanks to the community leaderboard featuring popular and trending GPTs.
What makes GPTs truly remarkable is that developers can create them without any coding skills. OpenAI’s GPT Builder tool enables developers to specify the desired skills of their AI-powered chatbot using plain English, whether it’s answering queries about recipes using a library of cookbooks or verifying code syntax and standards by consuming a company’s secret codebases.
To ensure the GPTs listed on the store meet OpenAI’s standards and usage conditions, developers can submit their creations to the company’s new review system. This system combines both human and automatic assessment, providing an effective means of quality control. However, in light of concerns raised about OpenAI’s hiring practices, particularly its treatment of contractors moderating its GenAI systems, questions surrounding the compensation and mental health resources available to human reviewers remain.
Although monetization of GPTs is not currently available, OpenAI plans to launch a GPT builder revenue program in the first quarter of the year. This program will allow U.S. builders to earn money through user engagement with their GPTs, though specific payment requirements are yet to be clarified.
While the GPT Store was initially announced last year at OpenAI’s developer conference, DevDay, it faced delays until its recent launch in December. This delay was likely caused by a leadership change following the announcement, wherein CEO Sam Altman was fired by the board of directors, only to be reinstated later.
The introduction of the GPT Store is significant as it democratizes the creation of generative AI applications, particularly those developed by OpenAI. However, this accessibility may impact consulting firms that specialize in building GPTs for clients, potentially leading to their decline. The ultimate outcome remains to be seen.
In summary, OpenAI’s launch of the GPT Store provides developers and users with a new marketplace for AI-powered chatbots. With a wide range of GPTs available, users can easily find the perfect chatbot to meet their needs. While questions regarding the review process and monetization linger, the GPT Store represents a significant step towards making generative AI applications more accessible for all.
