ChatGPT Could Become an Alternative to App Stores as OpenAI Signals Major Plans at Dev Day

Staff Report | PNN

OpenAI has signaled its next major move in the artificial intelligence sector. Alongside unveiling new models, AI agents and several other services at Tuesday’s Dev Day event, the company’s announcements indicated that it wants to create a new framework for accessing software outside the traditional app-store system.

Under the new approach, ChatGPT will no longer function only as a platform for answering questions or having conversations. Users will be able to discover apps they need within a conversation, connect those apps and use them directly. OpenAI said ChatGPT currently has more than 1.2 billion weekly users.

If ChatGPT determines that a particular app is required to complete a task, it can recommend the relevant application within the conversation. Users can then connect the app and begin using it from there. This could reduce the need to separately visit an app store to search for software for a particular task.

To make the system more effective, OpenAI has also expanded ChatGPT’s plugin framework. Under the new system, developers will be able to create interactive panels where users can communicate with ChatGPT while also using various features of the relevant application. In other words, some tasks that previously required a website, desktop software or mobile application could now be performed directly within ChatGPT.

OpenAI’s new initiative also includes a “Sign in with ChatGPT” feature. This will allow users to access various third-party applications using their ChatGPT identity while also carrying over the benefits of their existing AI usage. Initially, 16 companies—including Cognition’s Devin, Notion, Vercel, T3, OpenClaw and Dactyl—have joined the initiative. OpenAI also plans to expand the number of partners in the future.

At Dev Day, OpenAI also demonstrated a new meeting application. ChatGPT will be able to view upcoming meetings on a user’s calendar. When necessary, it can prepare meeting notes and generate a summary of action items after the meeting.

Similar capabilities are also being developed for design-related tasks. Examples were shown of using applications from companies such as Figma and Adobe to make changes to projects or access specific features directly within ChatGPT.

In addition, lightweight websites created through ChatGPT can be used to share these applications with others. When a colleague accesses such a site, they will be able to use the relevant software according to their own identity and authorization.

OpenAI is also changing the plugin review process for developers. Under the new system, applicants will be able to track the progress of their plugin review, learn what changes are required and request human review when necessary. Developers will not have to restart the entire application process when making changes.

The company also announced a separate app marketplace for business customers. More than 30 partners—including Adobe, Figma, HubSpot, Salesforce, ServiceNow, CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Harvey and Legora—are initially providing services there. Eligible customers will be able to use certain portions of their existing agreements with OpenAI to access software from approved partners.

However, one of the most significant parts of OpenAI’s plans is AI agents. The company’s new autonomous AI agents, called “Dots,” will be able to perform various tasks on the web on behalf of users. Each Dot will have its own cloud computer and browser, along with the ability to use connected applications.

As a result, users will not necessarily have to determine in advance which application is needed for a particular task. Instead, they can simply describe what they want done, and the AI agent will attempt to complete the task by using the appropriate software or service as necessary. OpenAI said Dots will be able to connect with more than 4,000 apps within its ecosystem.

The agents will also be able to actively assist users when given permission. For example, they could remind users about forgotten tasks or suggest possible solutions when assistance is needed on a project. However, the system is designed so that important actions cannot be taken without the user’s approval.

OpenAI’s initiative could also create a new type of distribution system for app developers. Users could purchase services directly from a company’s website and then connect those services to ChatGPT or Codex. However, OpenAI has not yet announced a separate billing or revenue-sharing system similar to traditional app stores.

As a result, the announcements made at Dev Day currently point less toward a direct replacement for app stores and more toward the creation of a new ChatGPT-centered software environment. OpenAI is attempting to bring a large part of app discovery, software use, AI assistance and software management into a single platform.