OpenAI unveiled its advanced AI model, GPT-4o, and a new desktop ChatGPT version on Monday, marking a significant leap in accessibility and performance. The launch, streamed live by Technology Chief Mira Murati, introduced the faster and more capable GPT-4o, which enhances text, video, and audio interactions and is available to all users, including those on the free tier.

Valued at over $80 billion and supported by Microsoft, OpenAI continues to lead the generative AI market, now offering GPT-4o through its API for developers. This model promises double the speed at half the cost of its predecessor, GPT-4 Turbo.

Demonstrations highlighted GPT-4o’s emotional intelligence, multilingual support for 50 languages, and its prowess in storytelling, translation, and coding—challenging Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot. OpenAI’s commitment to demystifying AI technology was emphasized, with plans to roll out these advancements to all users in the coming weeks.

The announcement is a milestone for OpenAI, following the success of ChatGPT and its widespread adoption by Fortune 500 companies. Amidst a generative AI boom, with a record $29.1 billion invested in 2023, OpenAI aims to maintain its competitive edge while addressing industry concerns over bias and the rapid deployment of new technologies. The company expressed gratitude to Nvidia for providing the GPUs that power these innovations.

Former Twitch CEO Emmett Shear will join OpenAI as its new chief