ChatGPT can now access internet; new web-access plugins released

ChatGPT's artificial intelligence tool has caused havoc in the technology industry with its unmatched powers. Web access extensions are currently another ace in its cap.

One of the limitations of all-powerful ChatGPT is that it cannot connect to the internet; however, this restriction is set to go- at least in certain cases. OpenAI has added ChatGPT plugin support, enabling it to access the web, interpret codes, and bring data from custom knowledge bases.

The release of ChatGPT has brought many people face-to-face with dramatic developments in technology, specifically Artificial Intelligence (AI). (Shutterstock)

"We’ve implemented initial support for plugins in ChatGPT. Plugins are tools designed specifically for language models with safety as a core principle, and help ChatGPT access up-to-date information, run computations, or use third-party services," a statement from ChatGPT parent OpenAI read.

Steve Nouri, a data science leader and AI influencer, posted the news on his social media account.

According to Nouri, ChatGPT's plugin support can now reach the web, interpret code, and retrieve data from custom knowledge bases.

Among the early plugins are a web browser, a code interpreter, and an open-source retrieval tool for personal knowledge bases. Nouri explains how the module support will improve ChatGPT's functionality in a video. The video shows, if you want ChatGPT to recommend restaurants to you or make an online grocery order, you must first install the necessary plugin. You can do so by visiting the app store.

Then he instructs ChatGPT to provide suggestions based on preferences such as location and availability, a recipe for Sunday, the total number of calories, and to order the necessary ingredients through the online grocery delivery service Instacart. The video demonstrates how ChatGPT uses OpenTable to suggest restaurants. It then offers a recipe recommendation, calculates the calories using Wolfram Alpha, and provides an easy link for ordering the necessary ingredients.

The AI company has initially prioritised a small number of developers and ChatGPT Plus users, and says to extend it to more audience over time.