What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is OpenAI's flagship AI assistant, launched in November 2022. It quickly became the fastest-growing consumer application in history, reaching 100 million users in just two months. Today, it remains the most widely used AI assistant globally.
Current Models
ChatGPT offers several models, each with different capabilities and use cases:
GPT-4o ("omni")
GPT-4o is OpenAI's most advanced model for most users. The "o" stands for "omni," reflecting its multimodal capabilities.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Text | Excellent writing, analysis, and coding |
| Vision | Can analyze images, charts, and documents |
| Voice | Real-time voice conversations |
| Speed | Fast response times |
| Availability | Free tier (limited) and Plus subscribers |
GPT-4 Turbo
A powerful model optimized for complex reasoning tasks. It has a large context window (128K tokens) and strong performance on technical tasks.
GPT-4o mini
A smaller, faster, and cheaper model for simpler tasks. Good for quick questions and basic assistance where full GPT-4o power isn't needed.
o1 and o1-mini (Reasoning Models)
OpenAI's newest reasoning models that "think" before responding. They excel at:
- Complex math problems
- Scientific reasoning
- Multi-step logic puzzles
- Code that requires careful planning
These models take longer to respond but produce more thoughtful, accurate answers for complex problems.
Key Features
Custom GPTs
One of ChatGPT's most powerful features is the ability to create Custom GPTs—specialized assistants trained for specific tasks:
- No coding required - Build using natural language instructions
- Knowledge upload - Add documents, PDFs, or data the GPT can reference
- Custom actions - Connect to external APIs and services
- GPT Store - Browse and use GPTs created by others
Examples of popular Custom GPTs:
- Writing coaches for specific styles
- Coding assistants for particular languages
- Research helpers with specialized knowledge
- Creative tools for image generation prompts
Plugins and Integrations
ChatGPT integrates with many tools and services:
- Web browsing - Search the internet for current information
- DALL-E - Generate images from text descriptions
- Code Interpreter - Run Python code, analyze data, create charts
- Third-party plugins - Kayak, Zapier, Wolfram Alpha, and hundreds more
Memory
ChatGPT can remember information across conversations:
- User preferences and background
- Past projects and context
- Writing style preferences
- Frequently referenced information
This makes interactions more personalized and efficient over time.
Voice Mode
ChatGPT offers real-time voice conversations:
- Natural, flowing dialogue
- Multiple voice options
- Available on mobile apps
- Useful for hands-free assistance
What ChatGPT Does Well
ChatGPT excels in several areas:
Creative Writing
- Story generation and brainstorming
- Marketing copy and ad content
- Blog posts and articles
- Poetry and creative formats
Code Generation
- Writing code from descriptions
- Debugging existing code
- Explaining code functionality
- Converting between languages
Multimodal Tasks
- Analyzing images and screenshots
- Extracting text from photos
- Describing visual content
- Working with charts and graphs
Ecosystem Integration
- Custom GPTs for specialized tasks
- Plugin connectivity
- API access for developers
- Microsoft 365 Copilot integration
Limitations to Know
Every tool has limitations. ChatGPT's include:
- Knowledge cutoff - Training data has a cutoff date (though web browsing helps)
- Hallucinations - Can confidently state incorrect information
- Context limits - Long conversations may lose early context
- Consistency - May give different answers to the same question
- Sensitive topics - Sometimes overly cautious on legitimate questions
Key Takeaways
- ChatGPT offers multiple models: GPT-4o for general use, o1 for complex reasoning
- Custom GPTs let you build specialized assistants without coding
- Strong ecosystem with plugins, image generation, voice, and integrations
- Excels at creative writing, coding, and multimodal tasks
- Memory feature enables personalized, contextual conversations