Just last week, OpenAI finally launched its first official app for ChatGPT after several third parties sourcing ChatGPT appeared in the App Store.
Currently only available for iOS, I tested the app to see if it matched expectations for a web application and how it compared to third-party apps already in the App Store.
Using a simple dark theme design, the iOS app works like a web application, asking you to sign in and even recording the history of conversations with the chatbot. Unlike a browser, you don’t see a bar on the left side of the screen that shows all the features and history, the conversation interface is pretty much like a message chat. Features and settings can be accessed by clicking the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen.
OpenAI has done its best to replicate the GPT-3.5 model in a sleek application, including audio recording that is not available when using web software. You can record your query and ChatGPT will respond in text, instantly tracing your query.
When asked how ChatGPT differs from its iOS application, the browser and iOS app gave different answers. The mobile application responded that it aims to implement ChatGPT in iOS devices with a user-friendly interface and easy accessibility.
The web app, however, denied that OpenAI had released an iOS app, saying, “As of September 2021, OpenAI has not released an official iOS application specifically for ChatGPT.”
The web software seems to be lagging behind the mobile application in recent updates.
ChatGPT Mobile offers similar premium subscriptions that provide exclusive features such as access to an AI chatbot during peak hours, faster response time and priority access to new features and updates. The premium plan is available for Rs 4,900 per month. The free version works very well, thus, purchasing the premium plan is unnecessary unless the program is used frequently.
The ChatGPT app is a must for all iOS users, especially if you use chatbots frequently for work or research. The free version offers a reasonably decent service, with ease of use and access, compared to the browser app.
