Hu Xiu·2025-08-19 07:39Core Insights - Users who paid for GPT-5 seem disappointed, indicating limited improvements over previous versions [1] - Free users, however, may have a different experience with the new capabilities of the model [2] User Base and Traffic - ChatGPT has over 700 million free users, ranking as the 5th most visited website globally, surpassing platforms like X, Reddit, and WhatsApp [3] - The introduction of the "Router" mechanism allows OpenAI to extract commercial value from its large base of free users [4] Router Mechanism - The "Router" is a central feature of GPT-5, enabling it to efficiently direct user queries to the appropriate model based on complexity and user intent [5] - This mechanism reduces service costs and enhances performance by allowing users to experience advanced reasoning capabilities for the first time [6] - Over 99% of free users had not previously interacted with deep reasoning models, leading to a significant increase in user engagement with the new features [7] Monetization Strategy - OpenAI is beginning to seriously consider monetizing free users, with a focus on controlling user experience to open new revenue streams [12] - Sam Altman's shift in attitude towards advertising indicates a potential openness to integrating commercial elements into the user experience [14] - The "Router" will facilitate the identification of queries with commercial potential, paving the way for a consumer-oriented super-app [15][16] Agentic Purchasing Model - The concept of "Agentic purchasing" allows ChatGPT to differentiate between low and high-value queries, optimizing resource allocation for complex inquiries [22] - This model could lead to a new shopping experience where ChatGPT not only answers questions but also facilitates transactions, potentially generating revenue through commissions [26][30] - OpenAI's partnerships and integrations with platforms like Shopify suggest a move towards a more transactional model [33] Competitive Landscape - OpenAI's growth poses a significant challenge to established tech giants like Google and Meta, particularly in the advertising space [40] - The shift in consumer behavior from traditional search engines to AI-driven recommendations is impacting the core business models of these companies [46] - Smaller companies are already benefiting from AI recommendations, indicating a potential shift in market dynamics [48] Future Outlook - The implementation of the "Router" is seen as a crucial step towards realizing a future where AI assists in everyday decision-making and purchasing [32] - As the model evolves, it is expected to create a new consumer habit of using AI for various transactions, potentially disrupting existing advertising models [31][52]