GPT Actions: A Comprehensive Review Ep.280

In today's episode of the Daily AI Show, Brian, Beth, Andy, and Jyunmi discussed their experiences and opinions on GPT Actions, which allow GPT models like ChatGPT to interact with external APIs. The crew reviewed the effectiveness, challenges, and potential of these actions in various use cases, particularly focusing on their personal experiences while implementing them for different tasks, such as weather data retrieval and integrating multiple APIs.

Key Points Discussed:

- Introduction to GPT Actions: Brian kicked off the episode by explaining GPT Actions as a way to enable GPT models to connect to external APIs, providing a basic definition of how they work and their purpose in expanding GPT's capabilities beyond standard queries.


- Challenges with Authentication and API Integration: The team shared frustrations with API integration, particularly regarding OAuth authentication, which involves multiple steps and technical complexity. Brian noted the difficulties he encountered with Gmail API integration, leading to an infinite loop issue, a common pain point.

- User Experience with GPT Actions: Beth and Andy brought attention to the overall user experience, with Beth pointing out that for simpler needs, writing code directly might be more efficient. Andy echoed the sentiment that GPT Actions seem more suited for developers working on corporate projects rather than individual users looking for a seamless experience.

- Potential Use Cases and Future Outlook: The group discussed how GPT Actions, despite their current limitations, could be valuable in automating workflows, especially in business contexts. They suggested that improvements could come in the future, but for now, simpler alternatives like code-driven solutions or third-party tools might offer a better user experience.

#ai #GPTActions #artificialintelligence #api #techreview

00:00:41 - Introduction and Show Topic: GPT Actions Review
00:01:35 - What is a GPT Action? A ChatGPT Definition
00:03:13 - Connecting ChatGPT to External Services and APIs
00:04:32 - Exploring the OpenAI Cookbook for GPT Actions
00:06:10 - The "Getting Started" Example: Weather Forecasting API
00:07:13 - Authentication: Free vs. Paid APIs and User Account Access
00:08:57 - Public APIs and Usage Limitations
00:09:29 - Demo: Weather GPT Action in a Custom GPT
00:10:52 - The Back End of a GPT Action: Configure and Actions
00:11:38 - Authentication Types: API Key vs. OAuth
00:14:08 - Understanding Schemas: Outlining API Access for GPT
00:15:39 - Testing APIs: Using Postman for In-Depth Debugging
00:16:24 - Ease of Setup and User Experience: Time and Challenges
00:17:18 - Demo: Latency Test for Weather GPT Action
00:18:52 - Maintaining ChatGPT Functionality and Prompt Chaining
00:20:32 - Understanding the Value of GPT Actions for Data Retrieval
00:21:05 - Troubleshooting GPT Actions: Identifying Potential Error Sources
00:22:56 - Understanding the API as a "Secret Handshake"
00:23:05 - Using GPT Actions to Generate Code for API Integration
00:30:44 - Justin's Question: Context Window Limits and Attention Strain
00:32:47 - OpenAI as a Black Box and the Variability of Performance
00:33:25 - Authentication Challenges with OAuth and Google Cloud Console
00:37:47 - The Complexity of the OAuth Consent Screen Setup
00:41:18 - User Experience, Latency Issues, and Data Chunking Problems
00:43:16 - GPT Actions as a Developer Tool for Corporate Use Cases
00:44:32 - The Zapier Integration: A Shortcut for GPT Action Setup
00:46:01 - Comparing User Experiences: OpenAI vs. Claude Artifacts
00:47:23 - Finding Value in GPT Actions: Pre-Created Solutions and Personal Use
00:49:06 - Show Wrap-up, Labor Day Schedule, and Newsletter Invitation