OpenAI has launched a major update for its ChatGPT app on macOS, introducing integration capabilities with various third-party applications, significantly enhancing the productivity of Mac users. Users can now interact seamlessly with developer tools like Xcode, VS Code, Terminal, and iTerm2, simplifying the process of coding and debugging.
Streamlining coding with integrated ChatGPT
The newfound ability allows ChatGPT to read content directly from multiple applications without the need for manual copying and pasting. This integration facilitates a more intuitive workflow for developers. In a demonstration, ChatGPT effectively understood code from an Xcode project and offered accurate suggestions, thereby acting as an interactive coding assistant.
Developers can now send a selection of code from apps like Xcode directly to ChatGPT, streamlining tasks such as adding missing elements to a project. For instance, when an OpenAI employee prompted ChatGPT to “add the missing planets” to a simple solar system model in Xcode, it efficiently generated code to represent Earth within the existing framework.
Importantly, the new integration leverages macOS’s Accessibility API, allowing ChatGPT to read text but not interpret images or videos. This limitation ensures the tool remains focused on text-based queries and code reading, optimizing its assistance without overstepping privacy boundaries.
Access and privacy considerations
Currently, the integration with third-party apps is available to ChatGPT Plus and Team subscribers, with plans for expanding access to Enterprise and Educational users in the coming weeks. While OpenAI aims to make the feature widely accessible, the timeline remains uncertain. Users maintain control over which applications ChatGPT can access, ensuring privacy is respected with the option to revoke permissions at any time.
OpenAI’s continual expansion of functionalities mirrors Apple’s own developments. With the upcoming macOS 15.2—currently in beta—Siri will gain similar ChatGPT capabilities, like answering questions based on on-screen content. However, this integration is limited to interactions without specific app compatibility for now.
In addition to enhancing ChatGPT’s capabilities for macOS users, OpenAI is also releasing its ChatGPT Windows app for free users. This move signifies broader accessibility and a growing commitment to integrating AI across platforms, making advanced AI tools more available to users in various work environments.
This latest update not only marks a significant step in the evolution of ChatGPT as a coding aid but also highlights the ongoing collaboration between OpenAI and larger software ecosystems to empower users. Whether you’re diving into programming or managing a multi-app workflow, ChatGPT’s new features are crafted to save developers valuable time and create a more cohesive working environment.
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