OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, is reportedly gearing up to introduce premium subscription plans for businesses, with the top tier reaching a staggering $2,000 per month. According to a report by “The Information,” these premium plans will offer access to advanced AI models currently under development, including codenames ‘Strawberry’ and ‘Orion.’ These new models promise to handle far more complex tasks than the free version of ChatGPT or the $20-a-month ChatGPT Plus subscription.
While details are still under wraps, the move clearly targets professionals and businesses that require top-tier AI tools for intricate tasks. Imagine companies in finance, healthcare, or even scientific research, where the ability to process vast amounts of information and generate accurate, insightful analysis could be worth its weight in gold.
ChatGPT already boasts over 200 million weekly active users, highlighting the immense demand for advanced AI. The free version will remain available for simple queries, but these new premium plans aim to cater to the growing need for sophisticated AI capabilities within professional environments.
The rumored ‘Strawberry’ model is especially intriguing, designed for ‘System two thinking’. This means it will approach problems through a deliberate, multi-step process, potentially tackling tasks that current AI models struggle with, such as advanced mathematics. Meanwhile, ‘Orion’, trained on data generated by ‘Strawberry’, is expected to be even more powerful, potentially surpassing even GPT-4.
The AI landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, with tech giants like Google and Microsoft continuously enhancing their AI capabilities. OpenAI’s shift towards premium pricing appears to be a strategic move to maintain its leadership position. By offering exclusive access to its latest models, OpenAI hopes to secure its place in the race for AI dominance.
Insiders suggest these premium plans could significantly boost OpenAI’s valuation, potentially catapulting the company above $100 billion. This is partly driven by the reported interest from major tech companies like Nvidia and Apple, who are reportedly exploring investment opportunities.
While these premium plans offer exciting possibilities for businesses seeking advanced AI solutions, the free or $20 options might still be sufficient for the average user. Regardless, OpenAI’s move towards premium subscriptions reflects the growing importance of AI in various industries and the increasing demand for advanced AI tools.
