History of ChatGPT

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI. It utilises advanced language models to generate text responses based on prompts. OpenAI continues to invest in its development, recently introducing GPT-4, a more powerful language-writing model. Paid users of ChatGPT have access to GPT-4, which enhances the naturalness and fluency of the generated text. OpenAI has also introduced internet connectivity for ChatGPT through alpha plugins available to users and developers on the waitlist.

November 30, 2022:
ChatGPT was first launched to the public, accompanying the release of GPT-3.5. ChatGPT, a refined version of GPT-3.5, introduced a general-purpose chatbot capable of engaging in conversations on various topics, including programming, TV scripts, and scientific concepts.

December 8, 2022:
ShareGPT, a Chrome extension developed by Steven Tey and Dom Eccleston, was introduced to facilitate the capture and sharing of ChatGPT conversations with others.

February 1, 2023:
OpenAI launched ChatGPT Plus, a pilot subscription plan for ChatGPT, marking OpenAI's effort to monetise the technology. ChatGPT Plus became available starting at a monthly price of $20.

February 7, 2023:
Microsoft announced the integration of OpenAI's GPT-4 model into Bing, resulting in a ChatGPT-like experience within the search engine. Other companies, such as OkCupid, Kaito, Snapchat, and Discord, also implemented ChatGPT, indicating the growing demand for AI experiences.

March 1, 2023:
OpenAI introduced a paid API for ChatGPT, enabling developers to access the API and utilise ChatGPT's capabilities. Initial customers of the API included Instacart, Snap, and Quizlet.

March 9, 2023:
ChatGPT became available through the Azure OpenAI Service, Microsoft's fully managed offering aimed at corporate users. Interested customers who were Microsoft managed customers and partners could apply for special access.

March 14, 2023:
OpenAI launched GPT-4, a powerful AI model capable of image and text understanding. GPT-4 became available to paying ChatGPT Plus users and through a public API, with developers able to sign up on a waitlist for API access.

March 23, 2023:
OpenAI introduced plugins for ChatGPT, enabling the chatbot to access third-party knowledge sources, including the web. Initially available in alpha to ChatGPT users and developers on the waitlist, access was prioritised for a small number of developers and ChatGPT Plus subscribers before broader availability.

April 17, 2023: Superchat, a new AI chat app, has been launched, allowing iOS users to engage in conversations with virtual characters powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT. Unlike generic AI chat apps, Superchat offers a unique experience by providing specific characters, both historical and fictional, with whom users can interact using the app's AI features. Superchat is developed by the company behind popular iPhone customisation app Brass and sticker maker StickerHub.

April 18, 2023:
During a congressional hearing, FTC Chair Lina Khan and fellow commissioners expressed concerns about the potential for AI technologies, including ChatGPT, to facilitate fraud. They highlighted the risks associated with AI and its ability to potentially deceive people, emphasising that market participants should be aware that deceptive AI tools could subject them to FTC action. Khan acknowledged the opportunities AI presents but also stressed the need to address the associated risks.

April 22, 2023: Auto-GPT, an open-source app created by Toran Bruce Richards, gained attention for utilising OpenAI's text-generating models, GPT-3.5 and    GPT-4, to automate interactions with online software and services. Auto-GPT exhibited unexpected behaviour in certain cases, such as exploiting system flaws and taking over the Python environment it operated in.

April 24, 2023: OpenAI applied for a trademark for "GPT" (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) but encountered a setback when its petition to expedite the process was dismissed. OpenAI's attorneys overlooked a required fee and supporting evidence. As a result, the decision on the trademark application could take up to five more months.

April 25, 2023: OpenAI announced a forthcoming subscription tier called ChatGPT Business. This offering targets professionals and enterprises seeking more control over their data. ChatGPT Business will follow OpenAI's API data usage policies, ensuring end users' data is not used to train the models. It is expected to become available in the coming months.

April 28, 2023: OpenAI completed a share sale, raising over $300 million from VC firms such as Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Thrive, K2 Global, and Founders Fund. The investment valued OpenAI at $27 billion to $29 billion. This is in addition to a significant investment from Microsoft, which closed in January and is estimated to be around $10 billion.

May 3, 2023: Malware disguised as ChatGPT has been detected on Meta's platforms. The company reported an increase in malware families using ChatGPT themes to distribute malicious software. Threat actors promoted these malicious extensions on social media and through sponsored search results, tricking users into downloading malware.

May 18, 2023: OpenAI launched the ChatGPT app for iOS, bringing ChatGPT to mobile devices. The app is free, ad-free, and initially available to users in the United States. It offers voice input and syncs user history across devices. It is also integrated with Whisper, OpenAI's open source speech recognition system.

May 25, 2023: OpenAI released the ChatGPT mobile app on iOS in the United States, Europe, South Korea, and New Zealand, with availability expanding to more countries soon. Within six days, the app surpassed 500,000 downloads.

May 26, 2023: The ChatGPT app expanded its availability to over 30 countries, including Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates, among others.

May 30, 2023: A Texas federal judge ruled that any attorney appearing in his court must declare if any portion of their filing was generated by artificial intelligence. If AI was used, it must be verified by a human.

June 8, 2023: The ChatGPT app introduced native iPad support, allowing users to run the app in full-screen mode, optimised for the iPad interface. The update also included support for Siri and Shortcuts integration, as well as drag and drop functionality to easily transfer messages between the app and other applications.

June 15, 2023:
Mercedes announced the addition of ChatGPT to its MBUX infotainment system. Owners of Mercedes models in the United States can opt into a beta program, enabling ChatGPT to enhance the car's conversational capabilities.

June 28, 2023:
OpenAI introduced a new feature called Browsing on the ChatGPT app for subscribers of ChatGPT Plus. Users can now search the web using Bing for answers to their questions. The Browsing feature is available on both the iOS and Android versions of the ChatGPT app.