ChatGPT has led the AI chatbot space since its launch, but its inability to connect to the internet has remained its Achilles' heel. Currently, the chatbot can only access information prior to 2021, but that's about to change. 

Competitors, such as Microsoft and Google, have given their chatbots access to the web. On Thursday, OpenAI announced it is ready to do the same with ChatGPT. 

Also:ChatGPT vs. Bing Chat: Which AI chatbot should you use? 

OpenAI unveiled plugins which will allow ChatGPT to connect to third party applications, including access to real time information from the web. 

We are adding support for plugins to ChatGPT - extensions which integrate it with third-party services or allow it to access up-to-date information. We're starting small to study real-world use, impact, and safety and alignment challenges: https://t.co/A9epaBBBzx pic.twitter.com/KS5jcFoNhf

- OpenAI (@OpenAI) March 23, 2023

The plugins will help ChatGPT access information such as sports scores, stock prices and the latest news, just like you would find on a typical search engine, according to OpenAI. 

Also: I asked ChatGPT to write a WordPress plugin I needed. It did it in less than 5 minutes 

In addition, plugins will help retrieve knowledge-based information such as personal notes or company documents, and help perform actions for uses such as ordering food and booking a flight, per the post. 

Some of the first companies to create plugins for ChatGPT include Expedia, Instacart, Kayak, Klarna Shopping, Fiscal Note and more. With these plugins, users will be able to take advantage of each company's individual assistance within ChatGPT. 

Also:The best travel agent is an AI algorithm 

For example, with the Expedia plugin, users will be able to use ChatGPT to plan their trips, with access to the latest information on hotels, flights and more. 

With our new AI Plugin, a traveler can start a conversation with#ChatGPT to plan their next trip