OpenAI launches ChatGPT Plus, Google says it’s launching a rival: all you need to know about disruptive AI chatbots

Google, the world’s largest search engine, will make artificial intelligence-based large language models like LaMDA available “in the coming weeks and months”, according to chief executive officer Sundar Pichai.

Users will soon be able to use language models “as a companion to search,” Pichai said on a conference call following the internet search giant’s fourth-quarter earnings report on Thursday.

Earlier, Google had declared a ‘code red’ and brought in the company’s cofounders Larry Larry Page and Sergey Brin to discuss their strategy.

Google’s response comes after Microsoft announced a “multi-year, multi-billion dollar investment” in OpenAI. The Windows operating system maker did not divulge the investment amount but reports claimed that it may infuse up to $10 billion in OpenAI.

ETtech tries to answer all your questions about ChatGPT.

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What is ChatGPT?ChatGPT is an easy-to-use artificial intelligence tool that answers questions posed by users with relevant, natural-sounding answers and topics.

The AI chatbot responds in a human-like way and it is designed to mimic real conversations. The bot can explain, recollect what was said earlier in the conversations, elaborate on ideas, and even apologise when it is wrong.

Also read | As ChatGPT takes the internet by storm, here’s what its rivals are up to

It can deliver an essay or computer code in response to queries within seconds. OpenAI has trained ChatGPT on billions of words and a ton of data from the web.

What are the features of ChatGPT Plus?

OpenAI on February 1, launched a paid version of ChatGPT. The subscription include features such as general access to ChatGPT, even during peak times; faster response times; priority access to new features and improvements.

What is the cost of ChatGPT Plus subscription?

The paid version of the AI chatbot can be availed for $20 per month.

Who can subscribe to ChatGPT Plus?

Currently, ChatGPT Plus is available only to users in the United States. OpenAI said it will begin the process of inviting people waitlist over the coming weeks.

“We plan to expand access and support to additional countries and regions soon,” the company said in a post.

How to use ChatGPT?

ChatGPT can be only used via a web page. OpenAI has not yet released an official app for the chatbot.

Follow these steps to use ChatGPT:

■ Visit OpenAI ChatGPT’s website
■ Login or Sign Up using Google, or Microsoft account.
■ Enter the 6-digit OTP received on your mobile number.
■ Enter your name
■ Click on New Chat on the top left corner
■ A conversation thread will appear and the chatbot is ready to answer your queries

Is ChatGPT accurate?

ChatGPT is powered by an AI language model that is nearly three years old – OpenAI’s GPT-3 – and the chatbot only uses a part of its capability. The chatbot answers queries based on data from the internet, which, as we all know, contains tons of misinformation and false news.

This of course raises the specter of disinformation and spamming carried out at an industrial scale. In some cases, ChatGPT admits to not knowing the answers, while sometimes the bot gives wrong answers with utmost confidence. The due diligence eventually lies with the user.

Does ChatGPT store conversations?

Yes, OpenAI stores bot’s conversations with users to improve systems. “As part of our commitment to safe and responsible AI, we review conversations to improve our systems and to ensure the content complies with our policies and safety requirements,” as per OpenAI’s website.

What are the alternatives for ChatGPT?

While no other AI-driven chatbot is even remotely popular as ChatGPT, some of the alternatives include – ChatSonic, WriteSonic, Jasper, LaMDA, and Replika, among others.