OpenAI Unveils Cutting-Edge Canvas Feature for ChatGPT, Blazing a Trail Beyond Traditional Chat Interfaces

To look at this article again, go to My Profile and then click on View saved stories.

OpenAI's ChatGPT Expands Beyond Initial Boundaries to Explore Visual Arts

Merely 24 hours following OpenAI's disclosure of a staggering $6.6 billion in new funding, the firm is rolling out a significant update to ChatGPT's interface.

OpenAI may be signaling that its groundbreaking chatbot is prepared for more interactive user engagements beyond simple Q&A sessions. This is evident from the introduction of a new beta feature: an editable canvas that appears in a window next to the traditional ChatGPT chat interface.

"Daniel Levine, a key product manager at OpenAI for the canvas feature, explains that the primary goal is to enhance collaboration with ChatGPT in the domains of writing and programming. Today, the canvas feature is being introduced in beta to those subscribed to ChatGPT Plus and Team, with plans to extend access to Enterprise and Edu clients by next week. While the feature is completely operational on desktop platforms, mobile users are currently limited to viewing canvas projects."

In a demonstration for WIRED before the launch, Levine emphasized his aspiration for a more “organic” interaction between humans and AI through this new feature. His team employed artificial data produced by OpenAI's newest model, o1-preview, to enhance the capabilities of the GPT-4o model, such as recognizing the appropriate times for activation and the degree of modifications needed for the document.

Using canvas, ChatGPT offers the capability to create an initial version of a project which both you and the AI can modify collaboratively, or it allows you to upload a draft you're currently developing to receive critiques. Levine initiated the process by directing ChatGPT to employ canvas in crafting an important email. He proceeded by selecting several sections and asked for precise modifications. This generative AI feature can make annotations within the canvas to suggest enhancements or directly edit the content of the document.

Initiating a canvas is straightforward: Simply incorporate a statement such as “use canvas …” or “start a canvas …” in your command, and the new interface will pop up. In certain cases, especially when asked to create a preliminary blog post, the GPT-4o model is designed to automatically open a canvas if it determines it would be beneficial, even without a direct command from the user. However, for coding tasks, the model activates a canvas exclusively upon explicit demand.

Both the writing and coding options allow users to request edits directly within the text, but the canvas interface is split into two sections, each with its own set of keyboard shortcuts tailored to either AI-assisted writing or programming tasks. During the demonstration, Levine highlighted how the writing-specific shortcut could be employed to reduce wordiness in a document or to refine the draft with a "final polish." He also showcased a more whimsical shortcut that inserts a variety of emojis randomly. For programmers, ChatGPT offers functionalities to insert logs, make comments, and try to diagnose issues within the canvas.

As you make changes, ChatGPT keeps track of each variation of your work, allowing you to revisit previous iterations if you decide you preferred them. For authors concerned about their uploads contributing to OpenAI's training dataset, it's advised to check user settings and ensure the option for "model training" is deactivated.

OpenAI's decision to enable ChatGPT to not only suggest but also make changes is muddying the waters of what it means to be an author versus a curator of words. As an individual who interacts with expert editors on a regular basis, I doubt that the canvas beta will live up to the sharp critiques and meticulous advice they provide. However, for those lacking access to human collaborators in writing, the idea of receiving artificial feedback on the structure and substance of their work could indeed prove advantageous.

It's important to mention that three individuals previously identified as part of the "supporting leadership" team for the canvas project have since departed from the firm. John Schulman, who was a cofounder and played a key role in post-training, exited the company in August to join Anthropic, a competitor in the AI space. In addition, Mira Murati, who served as the chief technology officer, and Barret Zoph, the vice president of research, resigned from their roles just a week prior to this product's unveiling. Following these exits, at a media gathering held at OpenAI's headquarters, Kevin Weil, the current chief product officer, emphasized the organization's dedication to its ongoing software development efforts.

"He believes that by 2025, systems with agency will truly become a part of the mainstream," he remarks. The concept of an artificial intelligence "agent" capable of not just collaborating on software-related tasks but also capable enough to venture into the digital expanse to undertake tasks for you, represents both the recent advancements and the anticipated trajectory of generative AI.

In the previous year, WIRED reported on the introduction of add-ons for ChatGPT that enabled users to perform various activities, such as reserving flights through Expedia or securing dining spots via OpenTable, marking a move towards AI tools with greater initiative. Nonetheless, these add-ons were subsequently phased out, replaced by more specialized custom GPT chatbots.

Bearing this in mind, the beta version of canvas seems to be yet another effort to enhance AI models with greater capabilities for making decisions, potentially resulting in unexpected outcomes. In a demonstration for WIRED, Levine pointed out a specific area on the canvas and asked for a modification, only for ChatGPT to apply an alteration towards the bottom, away from his selected area. “What's fascinating is that usually, if you select an area, it will edit there,” he notes. “However, ChatGPT has the autonomy to choose the editing location.”

Currently, the most similar option to OpenAI's canvas feature is likely Google’s Gemini feature, which allows the use of generative AI within Docs, or Anthropic's Artifacts tool. Chatbots are far from obsolete, yet AI firms are recognizing the limitations of this format and are exploring different avenues to develop their applications, aiming to find innovative and engaging user interfaces. Google has earned accolades in the technology community for its engaging AI-powered podcasts, with even OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman commending the innovation.

Silicon Valley continues to inject billions of investment dollars into AI enterprises, paving the way for the introduction of innovative constructs that enhance current technologies, such as AI-driven podcast hosts and document editing tools. These advancements are expected to be unveiled consistently throughout the upcoming year. The competition among chatbots is still very much alive, with anticipated developments set to diverge significantly from the conventional chat interface towards a more complex and varied method.

Check This Out …

Delivered to your inbox: A curated selection of top-notch and most peculiar tales from the archives of WIRED.

Elon Musk poses a threat to national security

Interview: Meredith Whittaker Aims to Disprove Capitalist Ideals

What's the solution for a challenge like Polestar?

Gather with us for The Major Interview on December 3rd in San Francisco.

WIRED PROMOTIONS

Turbo Tax Live Help – Save 10%

Discounts and Promotions at H&R Block

Save $15 on Your Purchases Using an Instacart Promo Code

Dyson Airwrap Offer: Complimentary $60 Case and a $40 Gift Bonus

Enjoy Up To An Additional 45% Discount on Our October Sale

VistaPrint Promo Code: New clients enjoy a 25% discount

Additional Insights from WIRED

Insights and Tutorials

© 2024 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. WIRED may receive a share of revenue from items bought via our website, as a result of our Affiliate Agreements with retail partners. Content on this website is protected under copyright law and cannot be copied, shared, transmitted, stored, or used in any manner without explicit written consent from Condé Nast. Advertisement Choices

Choose a global website