Nick Turley on ChatGPT as an Operating System - OpenAI

ChatGPT's Evolution: A Platform for the Future

Nick Turley, who assumed the role of head of ChatGPT at OpenAI in 2022, was initially charged with the task of bringing the company’s research to market. Significant progress has been made towards this objective, with the product now boasting 800 million weekly active users. Turley now aims to undertake an even more ambitious project: reshaping ChatGPT into a novel type of operating system populated with applications from third-party developers.

A Vision Inspired by Web Browsers

Turley shared his insights during a discussion held near San Francisco’s Fort Mason, the location of OpenAI’s third annual developer conference. A transcript of the conversation is available at the article’s conclusion. He explained that the transformation of ChatGPT is drawing inspiration from the evolution of web browsers.

Over the past decade, browsers have effectively become a new form of operating system – though not in the traditional sense of macOS or Windows – due to their central role in how people utilize computers through a diverse range of web applications. Turley envisions ChatGPT following a similar trajectory, evolving into a platform that fundamentally alters how individuals interact with software.

Hardware and Ecosystem Integration

OpenAI is also reportedly in the process of developing a browser of its own. While Turley neither confirms nor denies this, he acknowledges the inherent “interesting” nature of browsers. Furthermore, the company is collaborating with Jony Ive and a team of seasoned Apple designers on a suite of hardware devices. Considering these initiatives, it’s readily apparent how a ChatGPT operating system enriched with applications could become a pivotal element within OpenAI’s broader consumer ecosystem.

Building on Past Efforts

OpenAI has been exploring this concept for some time. In 2023, the company launched several “AI app store” initiatives, including ChatGPT plugins and the GPT Store. While these endeavors didn’t achieve widespread adoption, OpenAI appears to have refined its approach for this latest attempt.

ChatGPT as an E-commerce Hub

The introduction of apps aligns with OpenAI’s ambition to establish ChatGPT as a destination for e-commerce. Applications from companies like Expedia, DoorDash, and Uber could facilitate increased transaction volume within ChatGPT, enabling OpenAI to oversee and benefit from a portion of the revenue generated. A prominent placement within ChatGPT could represent a substantial business opportunity for both third-party developers and OpenAI itself.

A Compelling Proposition for Developers

This also represents OpenAI’s most persuasive offering to developers to date. Third parties now have the opportunity to connect with ChatGPT’s expansive user base of 800 million individuals during their everyday interactions. Apps are seamlessly integrated into ChatGPT’s core experience, rather than being relegated to a separate collection of widgets. Developers can also create more interactive experiences within ChatGPT, extending beyond simple chatbots linked to their company’s data.

Navigating the Challenges of an Operating System

However, operating an operating system also presents a host of complex challenges, such as determining how to prioritize certain applications over others. Turley indicates that OpenAI is not dismissing the possibility of allowing companies to pay for enhanced app visibility within ChatGPT, but emphasizes the need to carefully consider how to implement this without compromising the user experience.

User Data and Privacy Considerations

Third-party developers will also likely seek access to ChatGPT user data. OpenAI’s guidelines stipulate that app developers must “gather only the minimum data required to perform the tool’s function,” but the practical implications of this remain unclear. Turley suggests that OpenAI may introduce new features – such as a partitioned memory system within ChatGPT – that would allow users to exert granular control over data access granted to developers.

AGI and OpenAI’s Core Mission

A key insight from the conversation was Turley’s perspective on ChatGPT as the “delivery vehicle” for OpenAI’s nonprofit mission: the development and distribution of artificial general intelligence (AGI) – highly autonomous AI systems – in a manner that benefits humanity. Some OpenAI researchers express concern that the company’s commercial endeavors could overshadow its nonprofit objectives. However, according to Turley, ChatGPT is the means by which OpenAI will disseminate AGI to the wider public.

Conversation Transcript Highlights

How do you envision ChatGPT as a platform for other companies?

I believe that in a few years, we’ll look back at the current version of ChatGPT and see it as being in a “command line” era. It’s incredibly powerful, but it lacks essential features, namely affordances. Compared to the ease of use offered by Mac or Windows applications, relying on commands feels archaic. It’s remarkable that we’ve achieved 800 million weekly active users with the current interface.

Our goal is to evolve ChatGPT into an operating system where users can access applications for various tasks – writing, coding, or interacting with goods and services. We recognize that we can’t develop everything ourselves and will rely on partnerships to expand functionality.

What sources of inspiration are guiding the development of ChatGPT?

It’s crucial to approach this with “first principles thinking,” avoiding simply replicating playbooks from companies like Meta or Google. There’s no direct precedent for ChatGPT or Sora, so we must draw analogies from diverse sources.

Web browsers are particularly relevant, as they’ve become the dominant operating system for many users over the past decade. The early advertisements for the Apple PowerBook also offer valuable insights, portraying the device as a versatile appliance with a wide range of potential uses.

How are you planning to expand ChatGPT into new form factors like browsers and devices?

OpenAI embraces ambitious goals. While productivity is currently embodied by ChatGPT, numerous other product categories can be revolutionized by AI, including entertainment (Sora) and social media. Hardware and internet access points are also areas of interest.

We aim to create a cohesive family of products and applications unified by a shared account, personalization, and identity layer. We’re committed to exploring all possibilities, even beyond being solely the “ChatGPT company.”

How does OpenAI’s consumer business align with its nonprofit mission?

OpenAI initially functioned as a research lab with occasional product demonstrations. My initial role was focused on commercializing OpenAI’s technology. The product served to bring research to life and make it accessible to a wider audience, as exemplified by Sora.

Over time, the product’s role evolved to potentially fund the mission, recognizing the substantial costs involved. However, with ChatGPT, we began to view the product as the primary means of delivering the mission – ensuring that AGI benefits all of humanity.

ChatGPT is already helping 800 million people achieve their goals each week, from learning to code to supporting individuals with autism. This is the essence of our mission.

Regarding user privacy, how will OpenAI ensure responsible data handling by third-party apps?

We will require developers to disclose the data they request from users and only approve apps that request reasonable amounts of data. Our developer guidelines, published at launch, will provide clarity on our privacy stance.

We plan to introduce features that allow users to grant fine-grained data access to developers, similar to Apple’s approach. This may involve implementing a partitioned memory system within ChatGPT, enabling users to control which conversations are shared with apps.

Transparency is paramount. Users will always understand what data is being shared with third parties, and controls will be continuously refined.

How will ChatGPT handle multiple apps offering similar services, such as DoorDash and Instacart?

We will initially present both options to the user. If a user has previously used one service, we will prioritize it. If both have been used, we will ask for a preference. We may also consider prioritizing apps based on quality and user satisfaction.

Is OpenAI considering allowing companies to pay for preferential app placement within ChatGPT?

We are actively seeking feedback from developers on this matter. There’s a trade-off between pre-determining a solution and engaging with the community to find the best approach. We’ve chosen to delay a decision to allow for meaningful dialogue.

Our priority is to maintain a positive user experience. We will avoid prioritizing apps that are irrelevant to the user. However, we may consider allowing companies to invest in exposure if it leads to higher-quality apps.