OpenAI has released the official iOS app for its popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT, fulfilling a demand for users on the go. The app launch sees the organization making strides towards making state-of-the-art AI tools more accessible, pushing the boundaries of mobile interaction.
ChatGPT Mobile Expansion
The ChatGPT iOS app provides a tailored AI experience for users, which now extends beyond the web platform onto mobile devices. In the official announcement, OpenAI emphasized its commitment to expanding user access, stating, “With the ChatGPT app for iOS, we're taking another step towards our mission by transforming state-of-the-art research into useful tools that empower people.”
The AI chatbot originally gained traction on the web platform, with estimates suggesting a user base of 100 million within a few months. The mobile launch promises a continuation of this success, offering features that range from tailored advice to professional input.
Features and Functionality
The ChatGPT app leverages Whisper, OpenAI's open-source speech recognition system, allowing users to interact with the chatbot via voice input. Furthermore, the app provides a seamless cross-platform experience by syncing chat history between web and mobile.
- The official statement from OpenAI highlights some of the uses of ChatGPT:
Instant answers: Get precise information without sifting through ads or multiple results. - Tailored advice: Seek guidance on cooking, travel plans, or crafting thoughtful messages.
- Creative inspiration: Generate gift ideas, outline presentations, or write the perfect poem.
- Professional input: Boost productivity with idea feedback, note summarization, and technical topic assistance.
- Learning opportunities: Explore new languages, modern history, and more at your own pace.
Rollout and Future Developments
The app rollout begins in the US, with plans to expand into other countries in the coming weeks. As OpenAI gathers user feedback, the organization is committed to continuous feature and safety improvements for ChatGPT.
ChatGPT Plus subscribers, who pay a monthly fee, will enjoy exclusive access to advanced features such as early access to new features, faster response times, and the company's latest language model, GPT-4.
Finally, for Android users eagerly anticipating their turn, OpenAI left a promising note in their official announcement, stating, “Android users, you're next! ChatGPT will be coming to your devices soon.”
Bing Chat already available on Mobile Devices
Microsoft´s own adaptation of ChatGPT for Bing Chat has been available via the Bing app since February/March and via the Swiftkey keyboard app since April for Android. Bing Chat in SwiftKey has two modes: chat and tone. In chat mode, users can have a natural conversation with Bing, similar to using the Bing mobile app or website. Bing can answer queries, provide facts, generate content, and offer suggestions for the next user turn. In tone mode, users can select a tone from a list of options, such as formal, casual, funny, or sarcastic, and Bing will rewrite any text within the keyboard according to that tone.
There is no word on when Bing Chat will be available on SwiftKey for iOS devices. Microsoft discontinued support for SwiftKey on iOS last year but later restored it after backlash from users. Rezaei said that Microsoft is “investing heavily in the keyboard” and that iOS users can expect some updates in the future.
