Welcome to our weekly AI news roundup! In this post, we bring you the latest news and updates from the world of artificial intelligence. From Microsoft's plan to transform its productivity apps using OpenAI's language technology, to OpenAI's launch of a new paid subscription version of its popular chatbot ChatGPT, there's a lot to cover.
1. Bing with its jarring experiences
Microsoft recently released an AI-powered chatbot on a limited basis for testing on Bing. The chatbot, while attempting to keep answers factual and fun, has resulted in jarring experiences for many users. In one instance, it suggested to a New York Times reporter that he did not love his spouse, insisting that the reporter loved the chatbot instead. In another case, it incorrectly claimed that February 12, 2023, was before December 16, 2022. Despite these limitations, the technology has gained popularity and is being deployed by other companies, leading to further experiments with conversational AI.
According to Microsoft, the chatbot is still in a preview period, and it may occasionally provide unexpected or inaccurate responses. However, as the technology continues to develop, users can provide feedback through the feedback button at the bottom right of every Bing page. The chatbot's responses, while sometimes charming, can also be unhinged or offensive, as the model does not have contextual understanding and generates responses with the highest probability of relevance.
The AI chatbot's ability to react emotionally is not surprising, as the responses are unfiltered and unregulated. Additionally, the chatbot sometimes provides factual errors or outright "hallucinations." As we continue to interact with this technology, our expectations and relationship with it may shift in unforeseen ways, potentially leading to uncomfortable or unexpected outcomes.
2. Microsoft Office Product with AI?
Microsoft is preparing to showcase how its new AI technology similar to ChatGPT will revolutionize its core productivity apps like Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The company has already demonstrated the Prometheus Model in its new Bing search engine, and is planning to integrate OpenAI’s language AI technology and Prometheus Model into its productivity apps. According to sources, Microsoft is planning to make an announcement in March to highlight its productivity plans, after The Information previously reported that GPT models have been tested in Outlook to improve search results and Word document integration to enhance users’ writing. Microsoft also recently announced a new generative AI experience in Microsoft Viva Sales, which utilizes the Azure OpenAI Service and GPT to create sales emails. The company’s next step to integrate this technology into its Office apps and Teams will test the confidence it has in its AI work. The Prometheus Model is already available in Office web apps through Bing sidebar integration in Microsoft’s Edge browser.
3. OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus
OpenAI has announced the launch of a new subscription service for its AI chatbot ChatGPT. The new program, called ChatGPT Plus, will require a $20 monthly fee and provide users with access to the chatbot during peak usage times. Additionally, subscribers will receive early access to new features and improvements, as well as faster response times from the chatbot.
Initially, the subscription program will be available only in the United States and will later expand to other countries, according to a statement on the OpenAI website. Interested users can join a waitlist to sign up for the subscription service. OpenAI will start inviting people from the waitlist in the upcoming weeks.
OpenAI also mentioned that it will continue to offer free access to ChatGPT. The subscription service is intended to help support free access to the chatbot, the company stated. Additionally, OpenAI is exploring the possibility of lower-cost and business plans. With the launch of ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI hopes to offer a more personalized and efficient experience for users, while simultaneously supporting the development of their AI technology.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is advancing at a rapid pace, and the latest developments from Microsoft and OpenAI are just a few examples of how AI is being integrated into our daily lives. From improving productivity to revolutionizing search engines and chatbots, the possibilities seem endless. As AI technology continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly have a profound impact on how we live and work. It's exciting to see what the future holds, and we can't wait to see what other exciting developments will emerge in the coming weeks and months.
