ChatGPT vs OpenAI: What's the Difference?
TL;DR:
- ChatGPT is a conversational AI tool built by OpenAI
- OpenAI is the research company that creates ChatGPT and other AI technologies
- Think of OpenAI as the company, ChatGPT as one of their products
- Different ChatGPT plans offer different features and capabilities
- ChatGPT adapts its responses based on your conversation and prompts
ChatGPT and OpenAI get mixed up constantly. Here's the straightforward breakdown of what each one actually is.
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that generates text responses based on what you ask it. You type a question or prompt, and it writes back with an answer that aims to be helpful and relevant to your conversation.
The tool adapts to different contexts. Ask it to write a professional email and it'll match that tone. Ask it to explain something like you're five years old, and it'll simplify the language accordingly.
You can use ChatGPT through the web interface, mobile apps, or integrate it into other tools through OpenAI's API. Different subscription tiers give you access to more advanced models and features.
What is OpenAI?
OpenAI is the research company that built ChatGPT. They focus on developing artificial intelligence technologies, with ChatGPT being their most well-known consumer product.
The company works on various AI projects beyond just ChatGPT. They develop image generation tools like DALL-E, programming assistance tools, and conduct research into AI safety and capabilities.
OpenAI operates as both a research organisation pushing AI forward and a business selling AI tools to consumers and other companies.
The Relationship Between Them
OpenAI creates the technology. ChatGPT uses that technology to have conversations with users.
It's similar to how Google makes Android phones and also runs the Google search engine. Same company, different products serving different purposes.
When you subscribe to ChatGPT Plus or use the API, you're paying OpenAI for access to their AI models through the ChatGPT interface.
Quick tip: Different ChatGPT subscription plans unlock different OpenAI models. Free users get access to an older model, while paid subscribers can use the latest versions with more capabilities.
FAQs
Can ChatGPT connect to messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger?
Not directly through OpenAI, but developers can build integrations using OpenAI's API to connect ChatGPT's capabilities to other platforms.
How long can ChatGPT's responses be?
Responses are limited by the model's context window. Current versions can handle several thousand words, but extremely long requests might get cut off or simplified.
What's the difference between ChatGPT and GPT-3?
GPT-3 is the underlying AI model, while ChatGPT is the conversational interface built on top of these models. ChatGPT now uses more advanced models like GPT-4 for paid users.
Jargon Buster
ChatGPT: OpenAI's conversational AI tool that responds to text prompts with generated text
OpenAI: The AI research company that develops ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools
GPT: Generative Pre-trained Transformer, the type of AI model that powers ChatGPT
API: Application Programming Interface, the way developers can integrate OpenAI's models into their own apps
Wrap-up
OpenAI is the company, ChatGPT is their chatbot product. Once you get that distinction clear, everything else makes more sense.
If you're planning to use AI tools for your projects, understanding this relationship helps you make better decisions about which OpenAI products fit your needs and budget.
Ready to explore AI tools for your business? Join Pixelhaze Academy for practical guides on implementing AI in your workflow.