In a bid to expand their user bases and boost revenue streams, both OpenAI and Perplexity AI have unveiled strategic updates to their platforms. OpenAI is now enabling instant access to its ChatGPT model without requiring users to set up an account, while Perplexity AI is gearing up to introduce advertising options within its platform.

OpenAI announced on Monday that users can now utilize ChatGPT instantly without the need for account setup or login procedures. This move aims to democratize access to AI technology, making it more readily available to anyone curious about its capabilities. However, users opting for this instant access will encounter certain limitations, such as blocked prompts and restricted generation categories.

The company emphasized the benefits of creating an account, including features like saving chat history, sharing conversations, and unlocking additional functionalities such as voice interactions. Although users without accounts may still contribute prompts, OpenAI assures that this data usage can be disabled in the service's settings.

OpenAI's decision to lower barriers to access aligns with its goal of making AI more accessible to the broader population. However, the company has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding this recent development.

In contrast, Perplexity AI, a platform positioning itself as an "answer engine," is exploring the incorporation of advertising to bolster its revenue. Despite this shift, Perplexity AI's chief business officer, Dmitry Shevelenko, emphasized the company's commitment to maintaining an unbiased user experience.

The planned introduction of advertising on Perplexity AI is expected to provide advertisers with access to a significant user base of approximately 10 million monthly active users. However, Shevelenko clarified that ads would not precede responses nor influence the content of answers. Instead, the company is considering integrating ads into its "related questions" feature as a potential avenue for brand exposure.

While specifics regarding the implementation of advertising on Perplexity AI are still being finalized, Shevelenko did not disclose whether opting for the platform's Pro tier subscription would eliminate or reduce ad exposure. Notably, Perplexity AI's website previously emphasized a commitment to an ad-free user experience, though this messaging has since been removed.

Perplexity AI distinguishes itself by providing citations alongside its responses, reflecting its team's academic background and commitment to transparency. The platform aims to position itself as a reliable source for obtaining answers, rather than merely competing with established chatbot models like ChatGPT.

As both OpenAI and Perplexity AI adapt their platforms to meet evolving user needs and revenue demands, the AI landscape continues to evolve, offering users diverse options for engaging with AI technology.