Since its debut in November 2022, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has rapidly gained prominence, transforming from a productivity enhancer capable of crafting essays and code from brief text inputs to a colossal tool leveraged by over 92% of Fortune 500 enterprises.
This surge in usage has significantly bolstered OpenAI’s profile, making it one of the most buzz-worthy firms of late. Its recent collaboration with Apple on the forthcoming Apple Intelligence generative AI service has further solidified its position in the competitive AI landscape.
The year 2024 marked the unveiling of OpenAI’s GPT-4o, the latest model for ChatGPT, now furnished with voice and vision capabilities and designated as the standard free model. However, OpenAI temporarily halted the use of its Sky voice in response to claims it replicated Scarlett Johansson’s voice from the film “Her.”
Amidst its ascent, OpenAI grapples with internal challenges, such as the departure of co-founder Ilya Sutskever and a lawsuit from Alden Global Capital-owned publications like the New York Daily News and Chicago Tribune over alleged copyright violations, a scenario reminiscent of a previous lawsuit by The New York Times.
Below is a comprehensive timeline of notable ChatGPT updates and releases, continually refreshed throughout the year. For further inquiries, our ChatGPT FAQ section is available for your convenience.
Key ChatGPT Update Timeline
July 2024
OpenAI introduces SearchGPT, a pioneering AI search prototype
Aiming to revolutionize search experiences against competitors like Google, OpenAI tests SearchGPT, designed to provide accurate, up-to-date answers along with the option for follow-up queries. The prototype is currently in trial with a select user base and publication partners like The Atlantic.
Projected $5 billion loss for OpenAI, reports suggest
A recent analysis by The Information, based on undisclosed financial numbers, suggests OpenAI is poised to face a substantial loss, potentially reaching $5 billion, attributed to the hefty operational costs of running ChatGPT.
Launch of OpenAI’s compact model, GPT-4o mini
OpenAI has rolled out GPT-4o mini, a smaller, cost-efficient AI model surpassing industry benchmarks in text and vision tasks, set to supplant the GPT-3.5 Turbo as OpenAI’s smallest model offering.
Collaboration between OpenAI and Los Alamos National Laboratory
OpenAI has forged a partnership with the Los Alamos National Laboratory to explore the potential of AI in advancing healthcare and bioscience research, furthering OpenAI’s involvement in health-oriented tech collaborations.
June 2024
OpenAI develops CriticGPT to pinpoint GPT-4 inaccuracies
OpenAI has fine-tuned a model based on GPT-4, dubbed CriticGPT, aiming to identify and rectify errors in ChatGPT’s code outputs, thereby enhancing response quality for AI trainers.
OpenAI secures a strategic content partnership with TIME
This partnership will not only integrate TIME’s rich content into ChatGPT responses but also grant TIME access to OpenAI’s tech for developing innovative audience-engagement products.
Delay in rollout of ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode
OpenAI announces a delayed rollout of its Advanced Voice Mode feature to select ChatGPT Plus users, citing persistent issues that need addressing before a broader launch.
Release of ChatGPT for macOS
The ChatGPT macOS application is now accessible to all users, enabling seamless desktop interaction with ChatGPT, including file uploads and voice commands.
ChatGPT integration across Apple’s suite, including Siri
Apple’s unveiling at WWDC 2024 highlighted the integration of ChatGPT, powered by GPT-4o, within its ecosystem—spanning iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. This integration will offer native ChatGPT functionalities, including exclusive features for ChatGPT Plus users, without necessitating a separate account.
Scarlett Johansson summoned to testify on the ‘Sky’ controversy
The House Oversight Subcommittee has extended an invitation to Scarlett Johansson to discuss the OpenAI Sky voice impersonation issue, with Rep. Nancy Mace highlighting the potential platform it presents for addressing deepfake concerns.
ChatGPT encounters back-to-back outages
ChatGPT faced service disruptions twice in a single day, with other platforms like Anthropic’s Claude and Perplexity also reporting operational glitches.
May 2024
Content agreements between OpenAI, The Atlantic, and Vox Media
These partnerships enable the use of proprietary content from The Atlantic and Vox Media in ChatGPT responses, which will now include citations to the original articles. Vox Media and The Atlantic are set to leverage OpenAI’s technology for developing audience-centric and experimental products, respectively.
OpenAI welcomes 100K PwC employees to ChatGPT’s enterprise tier
With this new deal, PwC becomes OpenAI’s most extensive customer and its inaugural partner in introducing enterprise offerings to additional businesses.
OpenAI begins training GPT-4’s successor
OpenAI has commenced the development of its next flagship model to succeed GPT-4, parallel to the formation of a dedicated safety and security committee aimed at enhancing safety across OpenAI’s product range.
Ex-OpenAI director reveals the board discovered ChatGPT via Twitter
On The TED AI Show podcast, former board member Helen Toner shared that the board was uninformed about ChatGPT’s launch, also highlighting inaccuracies communicated by Sam Altman regarding safety protocols and undisclosed involvement in the OpenAI Startup Fund.
ChatGPT’s mobile app sees unprecedented revenue spike post-GPT-4o launch
Despite GPT-4o’s availability on the web, the mobile platform drove a significant uptick in revenue, pushing users towards the $19.99 monthly subscription for ChatGPT Plus to access the most current model.
OpenAI to withdraw Scarlett Johansson-resembling voice from ChatGPT
In response to the resemblance debate between its GPT-4o model’s voice, Sky, and Scarlett Johansson in “Her,” OpenAI opts to pause Sky’s use, clarifying that the voice is not intended to mimic any celebrity.
ChatGPT introduces file uploads from Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive
OpenAI’s latest improvement facilitates easier data analysis within ChatGPT, allowing direct file uploads from Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, along with enhanced interaction with tables, charts, and custom chart exports for presentations.
OpenAI partners with Reddit for unique content training
This collaboration grants OpenAI access to Reddit’s diverse content for ChatGPT training. It also aims to develop new AI-powered functionalities for Reddit’s user and moderator communities.
OpenAI introduces the GPT-4o omni model for ChatGPT
Revealed during OpenAI’s spring event, the GPT-4o model, distinguished by its “black hole”-like interface and advanced voice and vision capabilities, is set to be gradually deployed across both developer and consumer platforms in the following weeks.
Creation of a tool for content creators to opt out of AI training
OpenAI announces the development of Media Manager, a tool aimed at allowing creators to manage the use of their content in training generative AI models, including the option to opt out. The tool is expected to be ready by 2025.
OpenAI debates allowing adult content in AI products
OpenAI’s recent NSFW policy release sparks discussion on enabling explicit content, raising concerns over ethical implications in handling sensitive material.
OpenAI collaborates with Stack Overflow
In this partnership, OpenAI gains access to Stack Overflow’s developer insights to refine AI performance, while agreeing to credit Stack Overflow in ChatGPT responses. However, the arrangement has prompted some Stack Overflow users to express dissatisfaction through post sabotage.
April 2024
Copyright infringement lawsuit targets OpenAI and Microsoft
Allegations of unauthorized use of copyrighted articles have led Alden Global Capital-owned newspapers, such as the New York Daily News and Chicago Tribune, to lodge a legal complaint against OpenAI and Microsoft, accusing them of leveraging millions of copyrighted works to enhance ChatGPT and Copilot.
Content licensing agreement with Financial Times secured by OpenAI
This partnership with the Financial Times represents another strategic move by OpenAI, enabling ChatGPT users to access attributed summaries, quotes, and links to FT journalism in response to relevant prompts.
OpenAI expands with Tokyo office and Japanese-optimized GPT-4 model
OpenAI announces its Tokyo branch alongside plans for a Japanese language-specific GPT-4 model, highlighting its goal to tailor technology to various linguistic needs globally.
Sam Altman introduces ChatGPT Enterprise to leading firms
Sam Altman has actively engaged top executives from Fortune 500 companies, introducing specialized AI services suitable for enterprise applications throughout several key cities in April.
Launch of a concise and efficient GPT-4 Turbo version
OpenAI unveils an enhanced GPT-4 Turbo model for premium ChatGPT users, boasting improvements in logic, mathematical reasoning, and updated information knowledge, alongside a reduction in verbosity.
No-account option introduced for ChatGPT
OpenAI now permits access to ChatGPT without an account; however, this mode imposes certain restrictions, including the inability to save chats or utilize custom instructions, adhering to more stringent content policies.
March 2024
Influx of spam in OpenAI’s chatbot store
TechCrunch’s findings indicate a surge in potentially copyright-infringing GPTs within OpenAI’s GPT Store, many of which misleadingly claim capabilities related to popular franchises and appear to circumvent AI content detection protocols.
The New York Times disputes claims by OpenAI
In a legal filing, The New York Times counters OpenAI’s accusations of “hacking” its products, arguing the company’s claim lacks relevance and accuracy, and detailing instances where ChatGPT was used to bypass NYT paywalls.
OpenAI VP sidesteps artists’ compensation query
During a SXSW 2024 panel, Peter Deng, OpenAI’s VP of consumer product, evaded a direct question about compensating artists whose works contributed to training AI models, emphasizing an “opt-out” option despite artist concerns regarding the cumbersome process.
ChatGPT’s profound energy demands
A report from The New Yorker potlights the staggering electricity consumption of ChatGPT, estimated to be 17,000 times that of an average U.S. household, casting a spotlight on its substantial environmental footprint.
ChatGPT introduces Read Aloud feature
A new Read Aloud functionality has been added to ChatGPT, available on the web and mobile platforms, offering queries and responses in one of five voice options across 37 languages, enriching user interaction with the chatbot.
ChatGPT now offers a Read Aloud feature.
Tap and hold the message on iOS or Android, then select “Read Aloud,” or click the “Read Aloud” button on the web below the message. pic.twitter.com/KevIkgAFbG
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) March 4, 2024
February 2024
Dublin City Council and OpenAI join forces for tourism
Dublin City Council teams up with OpenAI to utilize GPT-4, offering personalized travel itineraries that highlight Europe’s diverse tourist
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