OpenAI’s record-breaking ChatGPT received a new update Friday, May 12, as access to “experimental features” was rolled out to ‘Plus’ users, including web browsing and third-party plugins.
The new features include access to ‘plugins’ which connect ChatGPT to other services such as web browsing, ordering groceries, booking flights, and more. However, users may need to enable the features in order to gain access.
A recent OpenAI article explains the process of enabling the ‘beta features.’ In order to activate web browsing and plugins, users should select ‘Profile & Settings’ from the bottom left menu, select ‘Beta features,’ and then toggle the required features to enable them.
OpenAi will be “making these features accessible via a new beta panel in [users’] settings, which is rolling out to all Plus users over the course of the next week.”
Third-party plugins that were previously only accessible to those in the Alpha trial include Expedia, Instacart, Shop, and Zapier, to name a few. The Zapier plugin further extends ChatGPTs capability as the API automation tool allows users to subsequently connect to thousands of other web APIs.
Frameworks like Langchain are also allowing developers to add web search and API compatibility by using the OpenAI API. However, the implementation of third-party services directly into the ChatGPT user interface for paid users looks to be the first indication of ChatGPT becoming a powerful ‘super app,’ deemed the holy grail of the app development world.
Mentioned in this article
Liam ‘Akiba’ Wright
Also known as “Akiba,” Liam is a reporter, editor and podcast producer at CryptoSlate. He believes that decentralized technology has the potential to make widespread positive change.
