OpenAI enhances ChatGPT with app integration, sidebar plugins, and automation support

Developers can now construct dedicated, application-style environments inside ChatGPT using newly announced plugin extensions. This move expands beyond productivity tools like Pages and Slides, aiming to integrate any software that benefits from AI connectivity.

Interactive Panels and Sidebar Integration

The update grants apps a permanent home in the ChatGPT sidebar, distinct from existing plugins that connect to tools such as Slack, SharePoint, Airtable, and Google Drive. These new extensions enable interactive panels, allowing users to manipulate their tools while conversing with the AI model.

File viewers supporting specific product formats are also included in this enhanced interface experience. The company stated these features were unveiled during its Tuesday Dev Day presentation.

Simplified Development and Discovery

OpenAI is streamlining the creation process with a new Plugin Creator tool. Developers can submit their work through a redesigned flow that provides clearer feedback on directory inclusion.

Ranking algorithms for plugins have been improved, affecting both directory recommendations and when they appear during conversations. Users retain control over permissions, approving access needs individually for each selected plugin.

Automation via MCP Events

ChatGPT Sites, lightweight websites built with the AI, will also host these plugins. This allows sharing applications with colleagues who can utilize them with their own connected data and permissions.

Support for the proposed MCP Events specification has been added, enabling plugins to trigger automations based on events within connected apps. The company noted that managing and adding these automations has become easier.