One of ChatGPT’s most enticing features is that it’s completely free to use. But you know what we always say when it comes to tech, you’re offering something in exchange for free stuff, whether you realize it or not. Here’s what you’re giving up to OpenAI’s world-famous chatbot.
When it comes to AI-powered chatbots, it’s no contest. ChatGPT is so good that other companies harnessed its powers for their chatty software.
While ChatGPT can do anything from spitting out a blueberry muffin recipe to job interview tips, these specialized chatbots have a more specific purpose based on their parent companies. Let’s take a look at some new options.
Learn the local lingo
The language learning tool Duolingo now boasts Duolingo Max to better help you aprender español.Â
When you can’t get the answer right and are ready to give up, just hit Explain My Answer. Duo will explain why your response was right or wrong and can further elaborate if needed.
Roleplay is an excellent feature that lets you converse with virtual characters with names and personalities. It feels like you’re practicing language skills with a native speaker. No two conversations are the same.
I hope this email finds you well …
AI is nothing new to the cloud-based writing assistant, but now it can do your work for you. GrammarlyGo composes blog posts, email messages, proposals and social media posts (complete with hashtags).Â
It considers your written voice, so the words sound like they came from you. It works with Gmail, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, LinkedIn and more. You know those awkward company-wide emails that everyone is expected to respond to? GrammarlyGo could help you with that.Â
Travel buddy
It’s heating up out there, and you’re probably itching to expand your horizons. Ask Expedia’s AI chatbot to help you book a trip anywhere and it’ll recommend local sites, cuisine and other things to do. It’ll even help you find flights and car rentals.
Expedia partnered with ChatGPT to add an Expedia plugin to the chatbot giant. You can also start a travel conversation with the ChatGPT site and when you’re ready to book, select the plugin to get the ball rolling.Â
Snap up a new friend
My AI is a chatbot that lets Snapchatters customize and name a Bitmoji avatar to answer trivia questions, offer gift advice, help plan a trip or suggest a recipe for date night.Â
Not everyone is happy with the chatbot, which is pinned to the top of your Snapchat screen and can only be removed if you upgrade to Snapchat+. That’s a pretty shady move.
Brave new virtual world
Have fun experimenting with ChatGPT and its specialized offshoots, but don’t go overboard. Follow my tips to stay safe:
- The first rule is don’t share any personal information you wouldn’t communicate publicly, such as your phone number, address, trade secrets from work and more. What you type into chatbots is saved to help train the software and human employees may even see it.
- Watch out for fake ChatGPT apps in app stores.
- If you need to use an email address to sign up, don’t use your real one. Here are ways to get around this obstacle for any site or app.
- A virtual private network (VPN) hides your online activity from everyone, including chatbots. Here’s how our sponsor, ExpressVPN, keeps you safe.
Keep reading
Everything you need to know about ChatGPT (and why Google is freaking out)