What you need to know
A recent report suggests that OpenAI may soon introduce advertisements within its ChatGPT application for Android users. This revelation emerged from a thorough examination of the app’s early beta code, conducted by Tibor Blaho, who noted the presence of an “ads feature.” The code includes various terms related to advertisements, such as “AdTarget,” “SearchAd,” and “ApiAdTarget,” alongside references to “bazaar content” and a “search ads carousel.” While the specifics of how these ads will be integrated remain unclear, speculation indicates that they may not disrupt one-on-one conversations between users and the AI.
According to insights from The Information, OpenAI is contemplating the possibility of tailoring ads based on the AI’s memory of user interactions. An employee mentioned that the company is approaching this idea with caution, aiming to ensure a seamless user experience. It appears that these advertisements may be limited to users accessing the free version of ChatGPT, leaving subscribers of premium services unaffected.
ChatGPT’s going with the flow
Blaho draws a parallel between OpenAI’s potential ad strategy and Google’s recent initiatives to incorporate ads into AI-generated results. Last year, Google announced plans to display relevant advertisements alongside AI Overviews, aiming to enhance user experience by providing helpful snippets. The tech giant even shared data indicating that users found these ads beneficial, suggesting a positive reception to this model. However, it remains to be seen how ChatGPT users will respond if similar advertising practices are implemented.
In the meantime, ChatGPT has rolled out an update that enhances its music capabilities. Users who link their Spotify Premium accounts can now leverage the AI to discover new songs, play tracks, and access curated playlists such as Discover Weekly and New Music Friday. This update mirrors Spotify’s own extension for Gemini, which offers comparable features for music exploration and playback.
