OpenAI, the artificial intelligence startup behind the popular ChatGPT chatbot, has announced a new premium subscription tier called ChatGPT Pro, priced at $200 per month. This exclusive tier offers unlimited access to OpenAI's top models, including the newly released o1 'reasoning' model, as well as advanced features like GPT-4o and Advanced Voice mode.

The o1 model, initially released as a limited preview in September, is now available in its full version to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, with Enterprise and Edu users gaining access next week. This updated model promises faster, more accurate, and more powerful performance, particularly in coding and math, as well as the ability to provide "reasoning" responses to images. OpenAI claims that the model has been trained to be more concise, resulting in faster response times.

In addition to the new o1 model, ChatGPT Pro subscribers will enjoy exclusive access to a more powerful version of o1, which utilizes more compute to deliver the best possible answers to complex problems. This premium tier will sit above the existing $20/month Plus tier, which offers early access to new features, access to all OpenAI models (except the enhanced o1 version), and more.

This announcement is part of OpenAI's "12 days of shipmas" initiative, a series of new feature, product, and demo releases. Other anticipated announcements include the unveiling of OpenAI's long-awaited text-to-video AI tool, Sora, and a new model. The company has also launched a ChatGPT Pro Grant Program, awarding 10 grants to medical researchers at leading institutions, with plans to expand to other disciplines.

OpenAI has further announced plans to integrate web browsing, file uploads, and other features into ChatGPT, although no timeline has been provided for these updates. The introduction of ChatGPT Pro marks a significant step in OpenAI's efforts to monetize its AI technology, which has garnered significant attention and adoption since its release.

The implications of this move are far-reaching, as it sets a new standard for AI-powered chatbots and may influence the development of similar technologies in the industry. With its enhanced 'reasoning' model and premium features, ChatGPT Pro is poised to revolutionize the way businesses and individuals interact with AI, and OpenAI's decision to offer grants to researchers may accelerate innovation in various fields.

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, OpenAI's bold move is likely to have a ripple effect on the tech industry, driving innovation and competition. With its "12 days of shipmas" initiative, OpenAI is cementing its position as a leader in AI research and development, and the introduction of ChatGPT Pro marks a significant milestone in the company's journey.