ChatGPT apps on macOS: How to use AI efficiently on your Mac

The integration of the ChatGPT desktop app into macOS applications promises to drastically change the way users interact with AI. This feature is initially aimed at ChatGPT Plus and Team users and will soon be extended to Enterprise and Edu users. The aim of the integration is to expand conversation possibilities through contextual responses.

Seamless collaboration with macOS applications

The “Work with Apps” function enables ChatGPT to interact with various applications on macOS. This allows the AI assistant to view content from text editors and IDEs such as Xcode and VS Code as well as from terminals such as Terminal or iTerm. This integration allows for optimized response generation, as ChatGPT can capture the relevant context from the applications directly. Developers and creative professionals in particular could benefit from this, as the AI now harmonizes with the tools used and could simplify workflows.

ChatGPT interact with Coding Tools ; Source: OpenAI
ChatGPT interact with Coding Tools ; Source: OpenAI

Easy activation and adaptive use

To use the function, the “Work with Apps” function must be activated in the settings, whereby the macOS Accessibility API is used for some applications. A specific extension is required for Visual Studio Code. This enables ChatGPT to read the entire contents of open editor windows and extract the last 200 lines from terminal sessions. This gives users more control and flexibility over how and when ChatGPT can access external content.

Innovative features such as the ability to communicate interactively using voice commands or the Option Space shortcut provide additional practicality. ChatGPT can even analyze screenshots to interpret music tastes or game interfaces, for example, demonstrating the potential of this technology.

Data control and data protection

For many users, the ability to control the use of their own data is important. Content processed by ChatGPT is part of the chat history, but can be deleted at any time if desired. There is also the option not to use this data to improve OpenAI’s models. The temporary chat mode ensures that conversations are not saved or used for improvement.

Guided by the vision of a more efficient and interactive working environment, this update could promote the development towards seamless AI-AR integration. With the ever-increasing adoption of intelligent assistants in professional environments, such integrations could significantly increase productivity.

Key facts about the update:

  • Initial availability for ChatGPT Plus and Team users, expansion planned.
  • Integration with Editor and Terminal applications to improve context.
  • Use of the macOS Accessibility API for activation.
  • Comprehensive control over stored data and its use.

This update underlines the role of AI as an integral part of the future working landscape and opens up valuable opportunities for discussion among industry experts. What other uses could arise from such seamless integrations? What new professions could emerge as a result of these developments? These questions motivate a lively exchange about the future of the world of work.

Sources: OpenAI

ChatGPT Desktop App Mac and Windows
ChatGPT Desktop App Mac and Windows

In addition, the desktop version of ChatGPT is now also available for Microsoft. You can download it here: Desktop App ChatGPT for Windows