OpenAI has launched app integrations for ChatGPT that allow users to access third-party services like Spotify and Zillow directly within the chatbot interface. The feature represents what OpenAI calls an “evolution of ChatGPT” toward becoming more like an operating system, enabling users to interact with apps through conversation while displaying interactive interfaces within the chat.
What you should know: The app integrations go beyond traditional plugins by allowing direct access within ChatGPT prompts and displaying interactive elements like maps, playlists, and presentations.
- Users can query ChatGPT to access Spotify for listing and playing tracks, or search Zillow for property listings directly in the chat interface.
- The feature is rolling out today for all logged-in ChatGPT users outside the European Union, including free accounts.
- Initial supported apps include Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, Spotify, and Zillow.
The big picture: ChatGPT has reached over 800 million weekly active users and is positioning itself as an entry point to the web for many users.
- “What you’re going to see over the next six months is an evolution of ChatGPT from an app that is really, really useful to something that’ll be a bit more like an operating system, where you can access different services, you can access software,” said Nick Turley, OpenAI’s head of ChatGPT.
- The platform will support both existing software and new applications “built natively on top of ChatGPT.”
How it works: The new system blends familiar interactive elements with conversational interfaces, allowing ChatGPT to suggest relevant apps to users.
- “The magic of this new generation of apps in ChatGPT is how they blend familiar interactive elements–like maps, playlists, and presentations–with new ways of interacting through conversation,” OpenAI explained.
- For Uber Eats integration, “ChatGPT will detect when a user wants to place an Uber Eats order, confirm details like delivery address, and then display nearby restaurant and menu options directly in ChatGPT,” according to Uber.
What’s coming next: OpenAI is releasing a new apps software development kit in preview mode to attract more companies to the platform.
- Additional apps launching in coming weeks include Target, DoorDash, Instacart, Uber, and Uber Eats.
- The company is being cautious about app recommendations to maintain user trust, with CEO Sam Altman noting, “We’re hyper aware of the need to be careful.”
You Can Now Add Spotify, Zillow to ChatGPT, But Don't Call It an App Store