OpenAI expands ChatGPT functionalities and restructures

OpenAI has announced significant improvements for its ChatGPT platform, including a desktop app for macOS that can read code directly from popular development tools like VS Code, Xcode, and Terminal. These features aim to significantly ease developers' workloads by eliminating the need for manual copying and pasting of code snippets. In parallel, some personnel changes have been noted at OpenAI. Lilian Weng, who served as Vice President for Research and Safety, announced her departure from OpenAI. These departures are part of a series of fluctuations within the company, occurring even at the top management level. Interestingly, OpenAI has taken steps to strengthen user trust concerning political integrity. Around two million users were advised to refer to verified news sources like Reuters and the Associated Press instead of the chatbot for information regarding the upcoming 2024 US elections. Simultaneously, the impressive domain Chat.com was redirected to ChatGPT, a maneuver that was certainly not cheap, although its financial scope remains unaddressed. Robotics expert from Meta, Kalinowski, is moving to OpenAI to take on new challenges. This strategic personnel decision reflects OpenAI’s ambitions in the consumer hardware sector. On the software side, Apple is offering users easier access to the ChatGPT Plus subscription directly through iOS settings, which is expected to significantly expand the reach of OpenAI’s services. CEO Sam Altman emphasized in an AMA session that the company’s compute capacity currently limits how frequently new products can be released. This is also reflected in the absence of a timeline for the release of the next version of DALL-E or the video tool Sora. Despite these limitations, OpenAI continues its innovations, as seen with the launch of ChatGPT Search, which promises improved search functionality. Strategic technological developments also include a collaboration with TSMC and Broadcom to develop proprietary AI chips by 2026. Another significant update for Mac and Windows users is the introduction of the Advanced Voice Mode, which can run in direct competition with Apple's Siri on the same device. In the long term, OpenAI plans to raise its single-platform subscription prices. A continuous pipeline of innovations, partnerships, and strategic realignments ensures that the company remains competitive and future-oriented.