On Wednesday evening, OpenAI launched an app directory to browse all the tools currently available Opened its SDK to developers To create new interactive experiences that work within the bot’s UI. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said last month that “we plan to build out the obvious features you would expect over time to have a stronger platform,” and opening the App Store is certainly a big step in that direction.
Another change is that OpenAI has renamed the “connector” that helps users pull data from other services (like Google Drive or Dropbox) into ChatGPT, and is now calling those apps that too. As a support page Explained, chat connectors are now “file search apps”, deep dive connectors are now “deep dive apps”, and sync connectors are now “synced apps”. It also mentions that apps can use information from memory, if it’s enabled, and for Free, Plus, Go, and Pro ChatGPT users, OpenAI can use information to train its models if the user has enabled “Improve models for all”.
However, for something more interactive, you’ll want to look for ChatGPT apps such as those launched in October for Spotify, Zillow, and other services, some of which are now available in more markets, like ChatGPT has Spotify, which now works “in the UK, Switzerland, and throughout the EU.” New additions include an Apple Music app, which can help users find music or create playlists and manage customers’ music libraries from within the chatbot, and DoorDash, which can turn “recipe inspiration, meal planning, and weekly staples into a functional shopping cart” all in the same window.
How all this helps OpenAI turn its AI business into something profitable has yet to be answered. The announcement only says that “We’re exploring additional monetization options over time, including digital goods, and will share more as we learn from the build and engagement of developers and users.”
