New Tech Aims to Make AI Features Pay-As-You-Go

Imagine you're running a small business in Brisbane and you want to use a fancy new AI tool. Maybe it's great at writing social media posts, but it also has a feature that codes websites – which you don't need. Currently, you often have to pay for the whole package, even for features you'll never use. This new 'Locket' technology aims to change that, potentially allowing you to pay only for the specific AI features you actually use.

Think of it like buying a streaming service. Instead of paying for every single channel, you might soon be able to pay just for the AI features that help your business. For instance, if an AI is brilliant at customer service but also has a deep financial analysis tool you don't require, Locket could let the AI developer 'lock' off that financial tool until you decide to pay for it.

This could be a big deal for small businesses and individuals. It means more flexibility in how you use and pay for AI tools. Instead of hefty subscriptions for a suite of features, many of which go untouched, you might soon see more 'pay-per-feature' options become available. It could make advanced AI more accessible and affordable, as you only shell out for what you genuinely utilise.

It also opens doors for AI developers. They could offer free basic AI tools, then gradually unlock more advanced features for a small fee. This could include things like A/B testing different versions of an AI’s output or even restricting certain content based on age. While still early days and quite technical at its core, the end goal is clearer, more flexible pricing for the AI tools we're all starting to rely on.