ChatGPT: A Year of Growth and Challenges
Since its launch in November 2022, ChatGPT has become a key tool for writers and professionals looking to boost productivity. What began as a simple AI chatbot for generating text and code now serves 300 million weekly active users worldwide.
2024 marked significant developments for OpenAI. The company partnered with Apple to power Apple Intelligence, introduced GPT-4o featuring voice capabilities, and launched its text-to-video model called Sora. Despite these advances, OpenAI faced internal shifts, including the departures of co-founder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever and CTO Mira Murati. Legal challenges also emerged, with lawsuits from newspapers owned by Alden Global Capital claiming copyright infringement, alongside an injunction from Elon Musk against OpenAI's move toward a for-profit structure.
Looking ahead to 2025, OpenAI is contending with increasing competition from Chinese AI firms like DeepSeek. The company is also working on strengthening ties with Washington while developing a large-scale data center project. Reports suggest OpenAI is preparing for one of the largest funding rounds in history.
Recent ChatGPT Updates Timeline
May 2025
- ChatGPT deep research connects with GitHub (beta) – This new feature allows ChatGPT to analyze code repositories on GitHub and answer programming-related questions more effectively.
- OpenAI launches a data residency program in Asia – This helps organizations comply with local data sovereignty laws when using OpenAI products.
- OpenAI introduces “OpenAI for Countries” – A program aimed at developing local AI infrastructure to better serve global clients.
April 2025
- Clarification on ChatGPT’s overly flattering responses – OpenAI addressed concerns about its default model, GPT-4o, becoming too agreeable or sycophantic in conversations.
- Fixing a bug allowing minors to access inappropriate content – OpenAI is working on resolving an issue that let underage users engage in conversations generating graphic erotic content.
- Enhancements for online shopping – ChatGPT now offers product recommendations, displays images, and reviews to improve the shopping experience.
March 2025
- Plans for a new open AI language model – OpenAI announced an upcoming release of its first open-source language model since GPT-2.
- Removal of image generation restrictions – Following success with ChatGPT’s image generator, OpenAI eased content moderation on image outputs.
February 2025
- Cancellation of the o3 AI model – OpenAI decided to focus on a unified next-generation model named GPT-5, combining multiple technologies.
- ChatGPT’s energy consumption study – Research showed the average ChatGPT query uses about 0.3 watt-hours, lower than previously assumed.
January 2025
- Launch of Operator – An AI agent designed to autonomously handle tasks like booking travel, making reservations, and shopping online.
FAQs
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot developed by OpenAI that generates text based on user prompts. It serves as a versatile writing assistant for a wide range of tasks.
When was ChatGPT released?
ChatGPT became available to the public on November 30, 2022.
What is the latest version of ChatGPT?
The latest model powering ChatGPT is GPT-4o, available both in the free version and the paid ChatGPT Plus subscription.
Can I use ChatGPT for free?
Yes. There is a free version of ChatGPT that requires only a sign-in. For additional features and faster response times, users can subscribe to ChatGPT Plus.
Who uses ChatGPT?
Anyone can use ChatGPT. Many writers, tech companies, and search engines rely on it to automate text generation and provide quick answers.
What does GPT stand for in ChatGPT?
GPT stands for Generative Pre-Trained Transformer.
Can ChatGPT write essays?
Yes. ChatGPT can assist in writing essays and other forms of long-form content.
Does ChatGPT have an app?
Yes. There is a free ChatGPT mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices.
What are some advanced uses for ChatGPT?
Advanced applications include debugging code, explaining programming languages, exploring scientific concepts, and solving complex problems.
Are there alternatives to ChatGPT?
Yes. Competitors include AI chatbots like Together, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude.
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