In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the way we interact with AI, reports suggest that ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot, may soon allow direct interaction without manually opening the app. This development, reminiscent of Google Assistant’s ‘Ok Google’ command, hints at a significant evolution in AI technology. The latest version of ChatGPT, labelled 1.2023.352, has sparked speculation with the introduction of a new activity called com.openai.voice.assistant.AssistantActivity. While currently disabled by default, the feature, once enabled, displays a non-intrusive overlay with a swirling animation, allowing users to potentially engage with ChatGPT seamlessly from any screen.
Similar to the familiar in-app voice chat mode, this overlay distinguishes itself by not obstructing the entire screen, making it a versatile tool for multitasking. However, during preliminary testing, the animation failed to complete, and the activity closed abruptly, suggesting the feature might still be in the early stages of development. The possibility of ChatGPT replacing Google Assistant on Android phones looms on the horizon, although this remains speculative. The code required for ChatGPT to function as a “default digital assistant app” is reportedly only partially implemented, indicating that the feature might not be fully ready for prime time.
Crucially, it’s worth noting that ChatGPT has not officially announced this potential game-changing feature. Whether it will see the light of day or not remains uncertain, and users are advised to treat this information as part of ongoing development. Furthermore, there are indications that the new ChatGPT feature could be tied to the ChatGPT Plus subscription, the premium version of the AI chatbot. This raises questions about accessibility and whether users would need to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus to unlock the full potential of this direct interaction feature.
As the AI landscape continues to evolve, with new players like Bard and Bing entering the scene, 2024 promises to be a year marked by advancements in AI tools. While ChatGPT and its competitors vie for user attention, the potential integration of a seamless direct interaction feature could be a game-changer for users seeking a more intuitive and efficient AI experience. While the reported developments are intriguing, it’s essential to approach this news with cautious optimism, considering the feature’s current status in the early stages of development and the absence of an official announcement from ChatGPT.