OpenAI launches new AI model and desktop version of ChatGPT

OpenAI on Monday launched a new AI model and desktop version of ChatGPT, along with an updated user interface, the company's latest effort to expand use of its popular chatbot.

The update brings GPT-4 to everyone, including OpenAI's free users, technology chief Mira Murati said in a livestreamed event. She added that the new model, GPT-4o, is "much faster," with improved capabilities in text, video and audio. OpenAI said it eventually plans to allow users to video chat with ChatGPT.

"This is the first time that we are really making a huge step forward when it comes to the ease of use," Murati said.

OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, has been valued by more than $80 billion by investors. The company, founded in 2015, is under pressure to stay on top of the generative AI market while finding ways to make money as it spends massive sums on processors and infrastructure to build and train its models.

The o in GPT-4o stands for omni. The new model allows ChatGPT to handle 50 different languages with improved speed and quality, and it will also be available via OpenAI's API making it possible for developers to begin building applications using the new model today, Murati said.

She added that GPT-4o is twice as fast as, and half the cost of, GPT-4 Turbo.

OpenAI team members demonstrated the new model's audio capabilities, for example, asking it to help calm someone down ahead of a public speech. OpenAI researcher Mark Chen said the model is able to "perceive your emotion," adding the model can also handle users interrupting it. The team also asked it to analyze a user's facial expression to comment on the emotions the person may be experiencing.

"Hey there, what's up? How can I brighten your day today?" ChatGPT's audio mode said when a user