Exciting news for Windows users: OpenAI has finally launched the ChatGPT app for Windows, five months after it made its debut on macOS. But don’t get too thrilled just yet. The new app is essentially a web wrapper built on the Electron framework, rather than a fully native application.
The decision to use Electron, which is known to be a resource-intensive framework, contrasts with Microsoft’s suggestions to use WebView2 for a more optimized web app experience. While Copilot for Windows 11—which is built using WebView2—is less than 600KB, the ChatGPT app weighs in at a hefty 260MB. This raises questions about efficiency, especially considering the significant investment Microsoft has made in OpenAI.
Despite these concerns, there are some interesting features worth mentioning. For instance, the app comes with a picture-in-picture mode that lets users engage with ChatGPT in a small, movable window. This feature can be accessed with a simple Alt+Space keystroke. However, it’s important to note that this app is currently in an early stage of development, which might affect performance quality.
The ChatGPT app is currently accessible only to Plus, Team, and Enterprise users. As OpenAI continues to refine and improve the app, users can remain hopeful for a more seamless experience in the future. Given its growing popularity, this move is a step forward in making advanced AI more accessible across platforms.
Whether you’re eager to test its capabilities or just curious about its features, the ChatGPT app for Windows offers an exciting glimpse into the integration of AI applications in everyday tech. Stay tuned for updates as OpenAI continues to develop and enhance this innovative tool.
