OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot is now available not only in web browsers but also as a desktop version for macOS, thanks to the company's introduction of an AI assistant specifically designed for macOS. The latest release of the ChatGPT Mac application has made this popular AI chatbot even more user-friendly, especially when it comes to multitasking.
Latest Update Highlights:
Improved Multitasking:
Previously, using the Option-Space shortcut key would open a ChatGPT search box on Mac similar to Spotlight. After entering a request and pressing enter, the main window of ChatGPT would jump to the foreground even if it was previously obscured by other application windows.
Now, when you are working in a browser and use the shortcut key to summon the search box, after entering a request and pressing enter, a small ChatGPT overlay will appear on top of your previous window instead of replacing them.
Enhanced Data Visualization:
OpenAI states that the tables and charts generated by ChatGPT now have a new expandable view that you can interact with.
Users can "customize and download charts for presentations and documents," and can select specific table cells for ChatGPT to perform further analysis on.
Bug Fixes and Other Improvements:
The application also includes multiple new keyboard shortcuts, additional customization options, performance, and security improvements.
A Small Hiccup in the Update:
When updating to the latest version of ChatGPT, some strange situations were encountered. The application version downloaded from the OpenAI website was 1.2024.199, which included the new small window feature. However, updating to version 1.2024.212 seemed to remove this new overlay. The second attempt, downloading the application from the OpenAI website without the new feature, but updating it later solved the issue. If you cannot find this feature after updating ChatGPT, trying different download and update methods might help.
OpenAI has not yet clearly stated when the Windows version of the ChatGPT desktop application will be released, only hinting that it will be available sometime later in 2024.
If you have a Mac and want to try the new ChatGPT features, as long as your Mac has an M1 chip or higher and is running macOS14 (Sonoma) or later, you can experience it immediately.
This update makes the ChatGPT Mac application more user-friendly, especially when you need to switch quickly between multiple applications. If you are interested in the new features, you can download or update the application to experience it firsthand.
Download link: https://openai.com/chatgpt/mac/