App developers who want to launch programs on ChatGPT can now submit their programs for review and possible publication, OpenAI announced Wednesday. The company has also introduced a new app directory within Chat’s tools menu, soon to be called the “App Store.”
In October, the company announced the arrival of an app for chatbots, which it said would provide ChatGPT users with a wider range of functionality. Major platforms such as Expedia, Spotify, Zillow, and Canva have announced integrations that allow users to access services directly from chat conversations. Now, the company is opening up the space to a wider range of players.
“The app extends ChatGPT conversations by bringing new context and allowing users to perform actions like ordering groceries, turning an overview into a slide deck, searching for an apartment, and more,” the company said Wednesday.
Although OpenAI’s Apps SDK is still in beta, it currently provides a toolkit for developers looking to create new experiences for ChatGPT users. Once developers are ready, they can submit their apps to the company’s OpenAI Developer platform and track their approval status there, the company said. Many approved apps will start running within Chat next year.
This is a big step for OpenAI towards expanding the app ecosystem within Chat, while giving users even more reasons to use and continue using the app.
