OpenAI has introduced a new version of its Mac ChatGPT app, making it easier to use alongside other applications. This update brings a significant change in how ChatGPT interacts with other apps on your computer, improving multitasking capabilities.
Previously, if you pressed the Option-Space keyboard shortcut to open ChatGPT’s search box while using another app, typing your request and hitting Return would cause ChatGPT’s main window to pop up and cover your current app. This meant you had to switch back and forth between windows, which could be disruptive.
The latest update changes this process. Now, when you press Option-Space to open ChatGPT’s search box, type your request, and press Return, a small overlay window appears on top of your current app instead of bringing the main ChatGPT window to the front. This small window can be positioned anywhere on your screen, allowing you to use ChatGPT without having to switch away from your other apps. This makes it much easier to keep working while getting help from ChatGPT.
Besides this change, the new version of ChatGPT also includes improvements for data analysis. When ChatGPT generates tables and charts, you can now expand them to interact more easily. You can customize and download these charts for use in presentations or documents, and even select specific cells in a table for ChatGPT to analyze further.
The update also includes several other enhancements. There are new keyboard shortcuts, more customization options, and improvements in performance and security. These changes make the app more efficient and user-friendly.
OpenAI hasn’t given an exact date for when a Windows version of the ChatGPT desktop app will be available, but it’s expected sometime later in 2024. For now, if you have a Mac with an M1 chip or better and are running macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later, you can try out the new features.
Overall, the latest update to the Mac ChatGPT app allows for better multitasking by using a small overlay window instead of bringing the main window to the front. This, along with improvements in data analysis and other enhancements, makes the app more convenient and powerful for users.
