OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's recent announcement to suspend new user registrations for ChatGPT Plus due to a surge in usage exceeding capacity took many by surprise. The unanticipated popularity prompted some users to identify business opportunities, leading to the renting of ChatGPT Plus accounts on eBay for at least $10 per month. Astonishingly, invitation codes for ChatGPT Plus accounts were being sold for as much as 428 pounds, as seen in the screenshot below.
However, breaking the hiatus, OpenAI has decided to reopen the ChatGPT Plus subscription, offering users a plethora of benefits for a monthly fee of $20. This subscription plan includes general access to ChatGPT, even during peak times, faster response times, and priority access to new features and improvements. While the free version of ChatGPT will remain accessible, the Plus subscription provides additional features and benefits aimed at elevating the overall user experience.
Sam Altman states, “With ChatGPT Plus, you get our most powerful AI model – GPT-4, along with the ability to create and use GPTs, and support for other tools such as DALL-E, browsing, advanced data analysis, etc.”
Earlier reports detailed OpenAI's first developer conference, DevDay, held on November 7. During this event, the company introduced a new AI product called GPTs, enabling developers and businesses to customize ChatGPT to suit their specific needs and services. Additionally, OpenAI unveiled a preview of its GPT-4 Turbo model, boasting a 128k context window. This enhancement allows it to process the equivalent of 300 pages from a single text prompt. Not only is it faster than current GPT-4 chatbots, but it also reduces operational costs by half.
As of now, ChatGPT boasts more than 100 million weekly active users. OpenAI proudly reports that over 92% of Fortune 500 companies are leveraging its platform, a significant increase from 80% in August. Industries such as financial services, legal applications, and education are among those covered by the platform.
BENEFITS OF CHATGPT PLUS
The ChatGPT Plus subscription offers users the following advantages:
- General access to ChatGPT: Subscribers can access ChatGPT even during peak times, ensuring a smoother experience and reducing the likelihood of encountering wait times.
- Faster response times: Plus subscribers will experience quicker response times, improving the overall efficiency of using the chatbot.
- Priority access to new features and improvements: Subscribers will have early access to new features and improvements, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve and make the most of the platform.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO CHATGPT PLUS
To subscribe to ChatGPT Plus, follow these steps:
- Create or sign in to your OpenAI account: If you don’t have an account, create one at chat.openai.com. If you already have an account, log in.
- Click on the ‘Upgrade to Plus’ button: Once logged in, locate the ‘Upgrade to Plus’ button in the bottom left corner and click on it.
- Complete the payment process: Enter your payment information and complete the payment process. The ChatGPT Plus subscription costs $20/month.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The ChatGPT Plus subscription is available for $20/month and is open to users in the United States and around the world. OpenAI plans to refine and expand this offering based on user feedback and needs, and they are also actively exploring options for lower-cost plans, business plans, and data packs for more availability.
CONCLUSION
OpenAI’s decision to reopen the ChatGPT Plus subscription is a strategic move to accommodate the growing demand and ensure a seamless user experience. By offering features such as general access during peak times, faster response times, and priority access to new features, OpenAI aims to cater to both free and subscription users, striking a balance between accessibility and enhanced capabilities.
The Plus subscription, priced at $20/month, provides users with exclusive access to GPT-4, making it a valuable tool for those looking to leverage the latest and most powerful AI model. The move aligns with OpenAI's commitment to supporting free access while providing added benefits to subscribers.
