About a year after the launch of ChatGPT, OpenAI introduced a new feature during their first developer conference, OpenAI Devday, on November 6, 2023. This new feature allows users to create their own customized version of ChatGPT, called GPTs, tailored to specific tasks and goals.
GPTs, or Generative Pre-trained Transformers, are customized variants of ChatGPT that allow you to build a virtual assistant for a specific task without coding. These assistants are designed to help you with tasks and questions within a topic of your choice. This opens up a world of possibilities. Examples include GPTs specifically designed for negotiating, GPTs for explaining board games, or GPTs for answering questions or giving advice to startups. In short, the possibilities are endless.
One of the most remarkable features of GPTs is that you can configure them without any programming knowledge. The process simply involves having a conversation, just as you are used to talking to ChatGPT, and then selecting which tasks you want your GPT to perform.
Integration with external data and plug-ins
In addition to the built-in capabilities, developers can also define custom actions by making one or more APIs available to GPTs. These actions, similar to plugins, enable GPTs to integrate external data or communicate with the real world. Think of connecting GPTs to databases, plugging into emails, or creating your own shopping assistant. For example, you could integrate a travel itinerary database, connect a user inbox, or facilitate e-commerce orders.
The GPT store
For those who want to share their custom GPTs, there is good news. OpenAI will soon launch the GPT Store, a marketplace where verified builders can offer their creations. This offers builders the opportunity to get paid based on how many people use their custom GPTs.
Access and privacy
Privacy and security are crucial. Chats with GPTs are not shared with the builders, and systems have been put in place to prevent harmful GPTs.
Access to GPTs is available to ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise users. These users can already experiment with GPTs via chat.openai.com/create. OpenAI also has plans to make GPTs available to more users in the future. So while access is currently limited to ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise users, it is expected to become more accessible to a wider audience in the future.