OpenAI recently revealed that its chatbot, ChatGPT will now allow developers to build API plugins. An API plugin expands the platform’s capabilities by integrating it with third-party applications which allow users to book flights, make restaurant reservations, shop, and more.
Amongst the first plugins launched are Klarna – a price comparison site; Expedia – a travel booking portal; OpenTable – a restaurant booking platform; and Wolfram Alpha which acts as a knowledge base for subjects ranging from mathematics, science and technology to societal and cultural topics. With these plugins, users can now book a flight, reserve a restaurant table and even calculate the cost of a meal – all from one platform.
To use these plugins, users need to navigate to the ChatGPT plugin store on their personal account, download their chosen plugin, and then return to their chat window to start utilizing them. For example, after installing the OpenTable plugin, users can ask ChatGPT to find a suitable restaurant for dinner.
Among the top four plugins currently gaining popularity online are: Link Reader and Wolfram, which cater to users who are looking to overcome clickbait and need assistance with STEM tasks respectively; and Expedia and OpenTable which allow users to make travel and dining reservations.
Additional to this, developers who are seeking to create their own API plugins are encouraged to do so. These plugins can perform a variety of tasks such as retrieving real-time information (like sports scores, stock prices, the most recent news, etc.), extracting knowledge-base data (like company documents, personal notes, etc.), and executing actions on behalf of the user (like booking a flight, ordering food, etc.). If a developer is unsatisfied with the available apps, they can create their personalized plugin and integrate it with ChatGPT. However, the new plugin feature is limited to ChatGPT Plus users for now, which cost US$20 (AU$30) per month, but OpenAI does have plans to expand access over time.
This initiative by OpenAI opens up a variety of opportunities for both developers and users. For developers, it offers a chance to experiment and create new, personalized plugins. For users, it provides a space that offers varied services from booking a flight to solving math equations.
Moreover, through the integration of AI such as ChatGPT, tasks that were once time-consuming can now be done within minutes making it an intuitive and user-friendly experience. All these developments are indicative of the continued growth of AI in mainstream applications and highlight the potential it holds for the future.
