You are inside ChatGPT and suddenly have the urge to create a playlist that captures the mood for autumn. ChatGPT connects with Spotify and shows you a playlist. Tapping on any song takes you to Spotify. OpenAI has introduced a new way developers can build applications inside ChatGPT. Apps that are available to all logged-in ChatGPT users outside the EU (on Free, Go, Plus and Pro plans) include Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, Spotify and Zillow.
“For ChatGPT users, apps meet you in the chat and adapt to your context to help you create, learn, and do more. For developers, building with the Apps SDK makes it possible to reach over 800 million ChatGPT users at just the right time,” ChatGPT-maker OpenAI has said in a statement.
To call apps, users need to be logged into ChatGPT and also have specific apps connected with the chatbot. It means you also need to be logged into Spotify, Canva and other apps.
The announcement comes a few weeks after OpenAI completed a secondary share sale that propelled it to become the most valuable start-up in the world.
The new option is somewhat like the “mini” apps that messaging platforms like Telegram and Discord have embedded inside their platforms, or the extensions that bring controls for music players to your iPhone’s Dynamic Island, but with an AI element.
Developers can start building and testing apps right away with the new Apps SDK preview, which OpenAI is releasing as an open standard built on the Model Context Protocol (MCP). The company said later this year it will begin accepting app submissions for review and publication and will share more details on how developers can monetise their apps.
To make a playlist, simply type in something like: “Spotify, make a playlist for my party this Friday.” ChatGPT will automatically load the app in your chat and use relevant context to help. The first time you use an app, ChatGPT will prompt you to connect so you know what data may be shared with the app.
ChatGPT can also suggest apps when they’re relevant to the conversation. “For example, if you’re talking about buying a new home, ChatGPT can surface the Zillow app as a suggestion so you can browse listings that match your budget on an interactive map right inside ChatGPT,” OpenAI said.
“The Zillow app in ChatGPT shows the power of AI to make real estate feel more human. Together with OpenAI, we’re bringing a first-of-its-kind experience to millions — a conversational guide that makes finding a home faster, easier, and more intuitive,” said John Weisberg, head of AI at Zillow.
There are several other apps that OpenAI has confirmed are coming to ChatGPT, including Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, OpenTable, Target, Peloton, Tripadvisor, and AllTrails. The apps are currently not available for users in the European Union.