Why I Cancelled My GPT4 Subscription
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Decreased Performance and Reliability of Chat GPT4
- Lower Accuracy in Generating Executable Code
- Decreased Quality in Generated Prose
- Performance and Downtime Issues
- Turning Off Chat GPT4's Browsing Capability
- Declining Usage and Traffic
- Drop in Educational Use
- Plateau in Hype Cycle
- Reevaluating the Productization of LLMs
- Microsoft's Pricing Strategy
- Infrastructure Costs and Scaling Challenges
- Potential Limitations in Model Structure
- Improving Chat GPT4's Performance
- The Risks of Stagnation for Microsoft and OpenAI
- Conclusion
Decreased Performance and Reliability of Chat GPT4
OpenAI's chatbot, Chat GPT4, has experienced a significant decline in performance and reliability, leading to concerns among users. Researchers have found that the accuracy and quality of Chat GPT4 have substantially decreased. For example, its ability to produce executable code on the first attempt is now about 40% lower than when it was initially released. Users have also reported a decline in the generated prose, with the chatbot asking more questions and providing less satisfactory responses.
Additionally, Chat GPT4 has faced performance and downtime issues. While some of these issues can be attributed to scaling, there have been instances of downtime for new features like browsing and plugins, which raises questions about OpenAI's commitment to ensuring the smooth functioning of these tools.
Turning Off Chat GPT4's Browsing Capability
One noteworthy decision made by OpenAI was to disable Chat GPT4's ability to browse the internet with Bing. This decision affected the quality of its answers, as the chatbot's real-time information retrieval capabilities were limited. It Prompts the question of the extent to which Chat GPT4's value comes from its access to external information. The decision to disable browsing features shortly after their release has also raised concerns about OpenAI's prioritization of tool functionality and its dedication to maintaining high-quality services.
Declining Usage and Traffic
Since May, Chat GPT4 has experienced a significant decline in usage. There are several possible reasons for this decline. One factor could be the decrease in educational use during breaks, as college and high school students no longer require assistance with writing papers or learning new concepts. However, this decline might also highlight issues with the chatbot's interface, particularly when it comes to the writing proficiency of Gen Z users. Despite growing up in a digitally connected era, younger generations might not possess the same level of natural language fluency and creativity as older generations.
Another factor contributing to the decline in usage is the potential plateau in the hype cycle of LLMs and chatbots. The initial enthusiasm surrounding these tools might be fading as users realize their limitations and find improved ways of achieving their goals. This could involve leveraging other AI models, open-source alternatives, or developing more specialized tools for specific purposes. The practical applications of LLMs like Chat GPT4 may not be as extensive or effective as originally anticipated, leading to decreased interest and usage.
Reevaluating the Productization of LLMs
The approach taken by Microsoft and OpenAI to make LLMs as widely applicable as possible might not have yielded the expected results. The decision to Create a single model capable of multiple tasks, such as coding, writing, and more, might have hindered the development of focused, specialized tools. In comparison, other companies have embraced a modular approach, releasing base models with specific functionalities that cater to developers' and users' specific needs. This shift in strategy has influenced developers' choices and Altered the implementation of LLMs within organizations.
Furthermore, Microsoft's pricing strategy for Chat GPT4, particularly for business use, has raised questions about the profitability of these tools. The suggested price range of $5 to $10 per hour indicates a desire to generate revenue and recoup the substantial costs associated with running Chat GPT4. However, there is uncertainty regarding the true profitability of these tools, especially considering the infrastructure costs, scaling challenges, and decreasing usage trends observed.
Infrastructure Costs and Scaling Challenges
The operation and maintenance of Chat GPT4 come with significant infrastructure costs. As of April, the daily infrastructure costs alone exceeded one million dollars. This number does not account for additional expenses associated with hardware updates and improvements. Microsoft's investment in scaling and expanding Chat GPT4's capabilities must generate enough user demand and revenue to justify these costs. However, with declining usage and potential limitations in large-Scale model performance, the effectiveness of this investment remains an open question.
Potential Limitations in Model Structure
It is plausible that the structure of the AI model underlying Chat GPT4 is not optimized for large-scale usage. The decline in accuracy and reliability could be attributed to the model's performance faltering as the number of users increases. The initial success and effectiveness of Chat GPT4 might have been best suited for a smaller user base and a single data center deployment. Exploring potential solutions or improvements to the model's architecture is crucial to address these performance limitations.
Improving Chat GPT4's Performance
To regain user confidence and ensure the continued success of Chat GPT4, Microsoft and OpenAI must focus on improving its performance. This improvement involves addressing accuracy issues, reducing downtime, enhancing speed, and delivering a superior user experience. By prioritizing these areas, OpenAI can ensure that Chat GPT4 remains competitive against alternative tools and meets the expectations of its users.
The Risks of Stagnation for Microsoft and OpenAI
Allowing Chat GPT4 to stagnate and fall behind in terms of performance and reliability poses significant risks for Microsoft and OpenAI. Competing open-source or locally runnable tools that target specific tasks like coding or writing may outperform and outshine Chat GPT4. To remain competitive and retain users, Microsoft and OpenAI must continuously innovate, improve, and adapt their offerings. The success of the Microsoft-OpenAI partnership depends on creating and maintaining cutting-edge AI models that deliver exceptional user experiences.
Conclusion
While concerns regarding the decreased performance and reliability of Chat GPT4 are valid, the future of AI models and their applications is uncertain. The fluctuations in usage, evolving user expectations, and various challenges faced by Microsoft and OpenAI create a complex landscape. Addressing the identified issues, investing in model improvements, and responding to user feedback will be crucial for Microsoft and OpenAI to retain their position as leaders in AI technology. Continued innovation, adaptability, and a focus on delivering value to users are essential to succeed in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.