OpenAI expands ChatGPT as a software discovery and launch surface

OpenAI described ChatGPT as a shared surface where people and AI agents can collaborate and developers can launch native experiences.[2] In conversations, ChatGPT can suggest an app when it detects that one could help with a task; users can connect the suggested app and use it inside ChatGPT.[3] Plugin extensions add a sidebar home and interactive panels for working alongside conversations, and OpenAI said they are available on all plans.[2]

Developers can create file viewers for file types their products support.[2] OpenAI introduced Plugin Creator and a redesigned submission flow intended to give developers clearer feedback, and said it improved plugin rankings and recommendations in the directory and in conversations.[2] Users choose which plugins to use and approve the access each receives.[2] Supported plugins can also be added to Sites, where workspace teammates use the app with their own connected data and permissions.[2] Plugin automations can start in response to events in connected apps through support for the proposed MCP Events specification.[2]

OpenAI said ChatGPT identity sign-in was available globally and launched with 16 partners, including Devin, Notion, Vercel, T3, OpenClaw and Dactyl.[3][2] Eligible enterprise customers can apply part of an existing OpenAI commitment toward approved partner software.[3] OpenAI also said its Dots agents could connect to more than 4,000 apps and conduct background research in read-only mode, while users retain control over actions.[3]

TechCrunch characterized the announcements as making ChatGPT a place to discover, launch and use software.[3] But OpenAI had not announced a billing or revenue-sharing system comparable to the economic layer of traditional app stores, and had not said the features would remove the need for separate subscriptions or other charges.[3] WorkOS argued that the app-store comparison was strongest for distribution and review, while a comparable paid-software market remained unproven.[4] It also said OpenAI’s documentation provided no comparable demand figures or conversion economics.[4] Teams assessing the opportunity should distinguish a new discovery channel from evidence of sales or reduced software costs.