OpenAI just brought the power of ChatGPT directly to your computer with a standalone ChatGPT desktop app. This makes the popular chatbot more readily available and easier to use, but only on a Mac. The app is sadly not available for Windows users yet.
The announcement was made by Mira Murati, OpenAI CTO, during OpenAI’s spring update keynote, where the company also unveiled a new GPT-4o model, a cleaner ChatGPT UI and more.
This announcement is particularly notable as it coincides with widespread rumors of a collaboration between OpenAI and Apple. Additionally, there is also a speculation about a direct AI integration in iOS 18, which is also expected to be revealed at WWDC 2024.
What does the ChatGPT Desktop App for Mac Matter?
According to OpenAI, the new ChatGPT app for Mac is designed to provide seamless integration with macOS. Users can quickly launch ChatGPT with a keyboard shortcut (Option + Space), enabling instant access to the AI assistant.
The app supports voice conversations through Voice Mode, allowing users to interact with ChatGPT using voice commands. Additionally, the app includes features for taking and discussing screenshots directly within the application, making it easier to incorporate ChatGPT into daily tasks and projects.
The app leverages the new GPT-4o model (also announced at the same event), which offers GPT-4-level intelligence and enhanced performance across text, voice, and vision. This upgrade promises faster and more accurate responses.
In various demos shown in the event, ChatGPT desktop app assists with coding, solving complex math problems on the users’ screens, partaking in meetings taking place on a Mac and more.
ChatGPT Mac App Availability
The ChatGPT Mac App is currently only available to Plus users, with a broader rollout planned for all free users in the coming weeks.
For non-Mac users, OpenAI also announced plans for a Windows version of the app, expected to launch “later this year”. It is important to note that Android and iOS both have their native versions of ChatGPT apps already.
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Our Two-Cents
At TrueTech, we think the ChatGPT desktop app for Mac is a significant development. Native apps generally offer a smoother and more integrated experience compared to web apps, and this release is no exception. Take Figma for an example.
Previously, all of us had to solely rely on the web client or third-party applications to access ChatGPT, the latter of which also caused security concerns.
While OpenAI’s iOS app for iPhones has been available for almost a year, the absence of a dedicated Mac app left a gap in the user experience. Therefore, we definitely welcome a dedicated app that integrates will with MacOS to assist with various functionalities.
Furthermore, the inclusion of keyboard shortcuts and voice commands means users will only find it easier to open and use the app. We do find it unfair that OpenAI did not release a Windows app along with the Mac one, however, the promise to bring it later this year is promising.
