Lights, camera, action! A big applause to Microsoft for marching towards the future of AI chatbots with gusto. The tech giant has committed to using the open plug-in standard that OpenAI uses for ChatGPT. It’s not just any commitment; it’s an exciting step into a future where AI chatbot plug-ins can waltz across platforms effortlessly.
Think of it this way: it’s like being able to construct your favorite Lego set using blocks from different Lego themes without worrying if they’ll fit together. Developers and users alike can now build and tweak their chatbots for both consumer- and business-focused experiences without any platform limitations. But there’s a catch! Google, the third wheel, has yet to sign up to this all-inclusive party for its platform, Bard.
Microsoft and OpenAI have always shared a “bromance,” but this year saw a deepening of their relationship. Microsoft made a multi-billion-dollar investment to extend its partnership with OpenAI, right before it announced the launch of its GPT-4 powered Bing Chat.
In an exciting move during Microsoft’s annual Build developer announcements, the software giant pledged to maintain interoperability between Azure OpenAI’s apps and the same open plug-in standard. The good news? If you’re a developer creating AI apps with Microsoft’s service, you can take your apps for a tour on OpenAI’s platform or any other that accepts the same open plug-in standard.
Here’s another scoop: Microsoft is already playing with plug-ins in Bing, partnering with OpenTable and WolframAlpha. And the playground is expanding to include more players such as Instacart, Kayak, Klarna, Redfin, and Zillow. Imagine having the ability to tap into new sources of information and expanding the abilities of AI chatbots like Bing Chat and ChatGPT!
As the saying goes, “the more, the merrier.” A host of other companies, including Bandsintown, Bohita, Cloudflare, and a dozen more, are preparing to jump onto the plug-in bandwagon for Bing Chat.
Yet, amidst all this, let’s not forget that plug-in interoperability is just a slice of the AI pie Microsoft served at Build this week. The tech behemoth also unveiled a Windows Copilot for Windows 11, AI enhancements to the Microsoft Store, plug-ins for Microsoft 365 Copilot, and a bevy of developer-focused AI features.
In a nutshell, Microsoft and OpenAI are taking the reins in setting a new standard for AI chatbot development and interoperability. And as we keenly watch Google’s next move, one thing is clear – the AI chatbot saga is just getting started, and we’re in for an exciting ride!