Key Points
- OpenAI launches an official app store for ChatGPT.
- Users can browse, search, and add apps directly within the chat interface.
- Each app listing includes a privacy policy and requires OpenAI approval.
- Featured apps include Apple Music, Photoshop, Canva, Gmail, and AllTrails.
- Developers are invited to submit new apps that add context and actions.
- The store aims to streamline access to a wide range of AI‑enhanced services.
A laptop screen showing the ChatGPT app directory
A laptop screen showing the ChatGPT app directory
Introducing the ChatGPT App Store
OpenAI has rolled out an official app store for ChatGPT, consolidating the many plug‑ins that have been integrated into the platform over time. The new directory is accessible from the main navigation pane on both the web and mobile versions of ChatGPT, alongside existing links to projects and prior chats. Users can explore categories, use a search tool, and view detailed listings that include a privacy policy for each app.
How It Works
To add an app, users simply click or tap on a listing, review the details, and confirm the addition. Once installed, the app can be invoked in a conversation by mentioning its name or selecting it from a prompt menu, allowing the AI to leverage the app’s specific functionality. All apps must receive OpenAI’s approval before they become visible to the broader user base.
Featured Apps
The store already hosts several well‑known services. Apple Music lets users ask ChatGPT to create playlists or find songs based on themes and genres, with the ability to add tracks directly to their library. The Photoshop plug‑in enables visual editing tasks within the chat, while Canva provides a suite of design tools. Gmail integration helps users manage their inbox by summarizing messages, highlighting key points, and drafting replies. AllTrails offers hiking information, allowing users to query trail data and receive advice based on a massive database of paths.
Developer Invitation
OpenAI is actively seeking new submissions from developers, emphasizing apps that “extend ChatGPT conversations by bringing in new context and letting users take actions.” The company has outlined guidelines that developers must follow, and every app undergoes a review process to ensure compliance with privacy and functionality standards. This open invitation aims to broaden the ecosystem and provide users with ever‑more useful tools.
Impact on Users
By centralizing these integrations, the ChatGPT app store simplifies the process of enhancing the AI’s capabilities. Users no longer need to navigate separate platforms; instead, they can access a variety of services directly within their chat environment. This approach promises increased productivity, creativity, and convenience, as tasks such as music discovery, image editing, email management, and outdoor planning can be handled through a single conversational interface.
Source: techradar.com