OpenAI has revealed that its ChatGPT app for Windows 11 (and Windows 10) is currently in development, following the recent launch of the app for macOS. This move may come as a surprise, given that Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI with over $10 billion, might be expected to prioritize Windows over macOS. However, the company’s decision suggests otherwise.
On May 13, OpenAI made significant announcements, including the introduction of the “Omni” version of ChatGPT, named “GPT-4o.” This latest iteration boasts enhanced capabilities in handling multimedia content compared to its predecessors. For instance, users of GPT-4o can engage with the AI model through text, voice, and video/image interactions in real-time.
While GPT-4o shares similarities with GPT-4 Turbo, its integration of speech capabilities significantly enhances its performance. In an effort to broaden the adoption of its generative AI technology, OpenAI has made GPT-4o freely available to all users. Additionally, the macOS app for ChatGPT Plus subscribers was released directly on the App Store.
For Windows users, the app will be made available later this year. OpenAI confirmed this plan in a blog post, stating, “We also plan to launch a Windows version later this year.”
In response to inquiries from Axios journalist Ina Fried, OpenAI clarified that the macOS version was prioritized due to its larger user base. This decision is intriguing considering that Windows commands over 70% of the desktop market share, while macOS holds less than 15%.
Beyond sheer user numbers, it’s plausible that OpenAI believes Apple users may prefer a native app experience over a web-based one, compared to Windows users. Additionally, the decision could be influenced by the higher prevalence of macOS usage among OpenAI employees compared to Windows.
Another plausible reason could be Microsoft’s reluctance to support the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT app for Windows.
This hesitation might stem from concerns that the availability of the ChatGPT app could diminish the appeal of Microsoft’s own AI Explorer update for Windows 11.
OpenAI’s macOS ChatGPT app is somewhat similar to Windows 11’s Copilot upcoming updates
If you missed OpenAI’s announcement earlier today, let me explain what the macOS app does.
![Windows 11](https://techpk.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AI.png)
As illustrated in the screenshot, you can open ChatGPT on macOS alongside another application, such as Visual Studio. This setup allows you to pose questions to ChatGPT pertaining to your Python code without the need to input the code directly into the ChatGPT text field. The macOS version of ChatGPT utilizes screen reading capabilities, enabling it to interpret the content displayed on your screen and respond either vocally or in text format.
This functionality adds an intriguing dimension to the user experience.
![Recall and Snapshots in Windows 11 | Courtesy: Albacore on X](https://techpk.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AI123-1024x720.png)
The next major update for Windows 11 introduces a feature called “AI Explorer,” also known as “Recall and snapshots” in some preview versions. One of its main attractions is the ability to record your screen activities and make them searchable, allowing you to revisit past actions by recalling snapshots.
With AI Explorer or Copilot, you can seek assistance for anything visible on your screen, similar to the ChatGPT app for macOS.
While the ChatGPT app is set to arrive on Windows later this year, Copilot on Windows is expected to offer significant utility soon, including features like screen comprehension, discovery, and more.
Microsoft has ambitious plans for enhancing Copilot on Windows, such as enabling file transfers between folders using AI. Additionally, Copilot can understand your PC activities and suggest actions, like enhancing an image when you’re editing it in the Photos app.