Beyond Beta: The Future of GPT Plugins and Their Evolution into Standalone AI Solutions
Asad TipuTable of Contents
- Key Insight #1: The Future of GPT Plugins Store
- Key Insight #2: Alternative Tools
- Key Insight #3: Expert Opinions
- Key Insight #4: Historical Case Study
- What Does This Mean for the Future?
- References
As of March 19th, 2024, the beta testing for the future of GPT plugins was finalized. This guide aims to explore the implications of this milestone for the future and set expectations for what lies ahead. First and foremost, let’s delve into a brief overview before we transition to the post-GPT plugin beta: The GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformers) plugin allowed developers to take advantage of the conversational AI tool to create a system that accessed other software to provide a more personal experience.
For example, Expedia, the renowned website that allows you to plan trips and flights, took part in the beta testing. This collaboration allowed GPT to engage in discussions about potential vacation spots and facilitated direct access to Expedia for booking flights.
However, this doesn’t mean that you, as a user, can’t perform complex tasks with a conversational AI like GPT anymore.
Key Insight #1: The Future of GPT Plugins Store
A key aspect of moving beyond the beta phase of GPT plugins is understanding that this marks not the end, but an evolution, of the services these plugins provide. Rather, instead of simply being plugins, GPT will now provide support for the creation of a full GPT itself.
This means that instead of being plugins that can sometimes cause GPT environments to overlap with each other, there will be dedicated GPT products in the store. Imagine a Math Future of GPT Plugins powered by WolframAlpha, internet search capabilities, and text lookup, designed to assist you effortlessly with your homework without the need for configuring multiple plugins or training the AI bot to perform specific tasks.
Key Insight #2: Alternative Tools
One significant advantage of ChatGPT as opposed to its competitors is its widespread popularity. A large number of users means a huge volume of feedback; this Future of GPT Plugins facilitates smoother turnovers and faster updates. However, there are plenty of tools, both for users and for developers, to get what they want out of a conversational AI.
For a user, I would recommend Perplexity.ai, an often overlooked sibling of GPT which I personally find incredibly useful. Regarding developers, while Kore.ai serves as a reliable starting point, it’s essential to recognize that neither tool is essential.
During transitioning post-GPT plugin beta, you offer and grow into full-fledged GPTs. The purpose of removing plugins and instead making them stand-alone Future of GPT Plugins is to allow the developer more leeway with their functionalities, and for the user to get exactly what they want out of them.
Key Insight #3: Expert Opinions
Dr. Vusi Maseko is a prominent figure in the AI discourse, known for his optimistic outlook on conversational AI development. Like myself, he sees the transition post-GPT plugin beta as a significant upgrade, painting a promising future for the evolution of conversational AI. He stated that;
“These GPTs span across numerous categories, including writing, productivity, programming, and education, offering a broad spectrum of applications and solutions. This transition represents OpenAI’s commitment to leveraging user feedback to enhance and expand GPT capabilities, ensuring full feature parity with plugins, alongside the introduction of many new features.”
The consensus is that the end of plugins heralds the beginning of individual GPTs, which are custom-tailored and fitted to do exactly what would be required of them.
Key Insight #4: Historical Case Study
The conclusion of beta testing for potentially revolutionary technology isn’t uncommon and is likely to happen again. Back in 2012, Apple beta tested their Apple Maps, which were received positively and were overall incredibly popular. However, during the full release, users reported bad results, poor landmarking, and misplaced routing. The situation was so terrible that Tim Cook, the CEO at the time, came out and apologized for the mistake and suggested alternatives.
What happened with the beta test? How did it ruin itself like this?
The explanation is straightforward: poor feedback and a drive for monopoly. Apple opted to utilize its satellite imaging systems and business listings instead of relying on Google’s data. This move was driven by their desire to monopolize information, disregarding user satisfaction. During beta testing, where they utilized Google’s data, users were content with the existing model.
To relate to this situation with GPTs taking over from where GPT plugins left, it is vital that developers do not try to use the opportunity to monopolize a corner of the market and ignore the feedback from users. People liked being able to use both WolframAlpha and Instacart to plan a meal, calculate the macronutrients of the meal, and then order the ingredients through one conversational AI. It is unnecessary to override user wants and needs in this case and give in to capitalist motives.
There is always plenty of work done by others that can be built on. There’s no reason to reinvent the wheel.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
It means that GPTs that have very specific functions will be arriving, and they will be efficient in their respective domains. It means that developers have the duty and obligation not to try and monopolize their niche and to allow them to build with each other modally.
Consider a future where all GPTs are combined, where they interact nicely with each other, and where they are capable of identifying which GPT is better for the task at hand. You’d be looking at a very reasonable General Artificial Intelligence (GAI) that could be implemented in robots for at-home purposes.
This could mean a future where AI is capable of competently handling your affairs. It would mean a brighter, smarter future for everyone, as long as we work together.
References
Maseko, V. (2024). Transitioning from ChatGPT Plugins Beta to the Future with GPTs: An Overview. LinkedIn. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/transitioning-from-chatgpt-plugins-beta-future-gpts-maseko-phd–zxbgf
Vaughan-Nichols, S. (2024). ChatGPT Plugins are being replaced by GPTs. Here’s why – and what it means for you. ZDNet. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://www.zdnet.com/article/on-march-19-chatgpt-plugins-get-replaced-by-gpts-heres-why-and-what-it-means-to-you
Zhang, H. (2024). An Insightful Exploration of ChatGPT Plugins. UX Collective. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://bootcamp.uxdesign.cc/chatgpt-plugins-a-walk-through-of-9-exceptional-plugins-c1d6614be6c1
