OpenAI is making it easier for ChatGPT users to connect with third-party apps within the chatbot to carry out tasks, the company’s latest bid to turn its flagship product into a key gateway for digital services.
With the new option, unveiled on Monday during OpenAI’s annual developers event, a ChatGPT user can ask to create a playlist for the weekend and the app will connect with Spotify to make suggestions.
Alternatively, a user can look up a three-bedroom home in a specific neighbourhood on Zillow, without leaving the ChatGPT app. Other apps, including Figma, Expedia and Booking.com, are also available. The feature, which OpenAI calls “talking to apps”, requires users to sign in to the apps the first time.
“There’s an opportunity for builders to create entirely new applications that are even native to ChatGPT, and of course for services you love to be able to benefit there, too,” said Brad Lightcap, OpenAI’s chief operating officer, on Monday.
The event caps off a frenzied few weeks for the company. OpenAI completed a secondary share sale that propelled it to become the most valuable start-up in the world.
