Earlier this year, OpenAI announced ChatGPT apps. Not the ChatGPT app, mind you: That’s been out for more than a couple years now. ChatGPT apps, on the other hand, are programs that work within ChatGPT. You can access them in any given conversation with ChatGPT—in fact, they may appear based on the context of the conversation.
These aren’t necessarily apps that OpenAI builds itself; rather, you’ll find options here based on apps you may use yourself. The initial batch of apps included with the feature’s rollout included Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, Spotify, and Zillow—big apps you’ve likely used before.
While in a conversation with ChatGPT, you could ask the bot to help you book a flight to Paris via Expedia, find a particular listing through Zillow, or create a slide for a presentation with Canva. From OpenAI’s perspective, this adds a host of additional functionality to ChatGPT the company couldn’t offer itself. OpenAI doesn’t need to build an apartment-hunting tool into ChatGPT; it can just pull in Zillow. It also doesn’t escape me that the more apps that OpenAI folds into ChatGPT, the less likely it is you’ll need to leave ChatGPT to do something in another app—but that’s none of my business.
ChatGPT’s “App Store” is Just the Beginning
Credit: Lifehacker
The current “app directory,” as OpenAI rightly calls it, is a fascinating experiment. But it’s more than just a collection of integrations; it’s a glimpse into the future of how we’ll interact with software. OpenAI’s decision to open up ChatGPT to developers is a pivotal move, and the pace of development is already accelerating. The recent influx of apps – Photoshop, Apple Music alongside established players – demonstrates the broad appeal and potential of this platform.
The Rise of the “Super App” and AI Agents
What we’re witnessing is the early stages of the “super app” phenomenon, popularized in Asia with apps like WeChat. These apps aim to be all-in-one solutions, handling everything from messaging and social networking to payments and, increasingly, complex tasks. ChatGPT, with its expanding app ecosystem, is positioning itself to become a Western equivalent.
However, the real game-changer won’t just be access to more apps. It will be the emergence of sophisticated AI agents within ChatGPT. Imagine an agent that automatically manages your travel plans – booking flights, hotels, and activities – based on your preferences and budget, all through a natural language conversation. This is where the integration of apps like Expedia and Booking.com becomes truly powerful.
Did you know? According to a recent report by McKinsey, AI-powered automation could raise global GDP by 26% by 2030, with a significant portion of that growth driven by productivity gains in areas like travel and personal assistance.
Beyond Apps: The Connector Revolution
OpenAI’s consideration of “connector” services like Google Drive is particularly interesting. This suggests a future where ChatGPT isn’t just launching external apps, but directly integrating with your existing data and workflows. Think about summarizing lengthy documents stored in Google Drive, creating presentations based on data from spreadsheets, or even automating email responses based on information pulled from various sources.
This level of integration will require robust security and privacy protocols, which are currently a major concern for many users. OpenAI will need to prioritize these aspects to build trust and encourage widespread adoption. The ability to control data access and permissions will be crucial.
The Impact on Traditional Software
The rise of ChatGPT apps will inevitably disrupt the traditional software landscape. Why switch between multiple apps when you can accomplish the same tasks within a single, conversational interface? This poses a significant challenge to companies that rely on standalone applications.
We’re likely to see a shift towards “headless” software – applications that provide functionality through APIs, allowing them to be integrated into platforms like ChatGPT. Companies will need to adapt and embrace this new paradigm to remain competitive. Those that don’t risk becoming obsolete.
Pro Tip: Developers, now is the time to start exploring the OpenAI API and building ChatGPT-compatible extensions. The early movers will have a significant advantage in this rapidly evolving market.
Future Trends to Watch
- Personalized AI Agents: Expect to see more sophisticated AI agents tailored to specific tasks and industries.
- Enhanced Data Security: Robust security and privacy features will be paramount for widespread adoption.
- Voice Integration: Seamless voice control and interaction will become increasingly important.
- Multimodal Capabilities: ChatGPT will likely evolve to handle multiple modalities, including images, video, and audio.
- Decentralized Apps: The potential for decentralized apps built on blockchain technology within ChatGPT could offer greater user control and privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly are ChatGPT apps?
ChatGPT apps are essentially mini-programs that run within the ChatGPT interface, allowing you to access functionality from other services without leaving the chat.
Are these apps created by OpenAI?
Not necessarily. OpenAI is opening up the platform to third-party developers to create and submit their own apps.
Is the ChatGPT app directory free to use?
Yes, currently there is no payment required to access or use the apps within the directory.
How will these apps impact my privacy?
Data security and privacy are crucial concerns. OpenAI will need to prioritize these aspects to build trust and ensure responsible use of the platform.
The evolution of ChatGPT from a simple chatbot to a powerful platform with an expanding app ecosystem is a testament to the transformative potential of AI. This is just the beginning, and the coming years promise to be filled with exciting innovations and disruptions.
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