OpenAI transforms ChatGPT into a hub for interactive applications

Developers can now build interactive panels that remain active while users converse with the AI, enabling workflows that include specialized file viewers tailored to specific product formats. These extensions aim to reduce context switching, allowing users to manipulate tools without leaving the chat interface. To support this, OpenAI introduced a Plugin Creator tool designed to streamline development and clarify the submission process for its directory.

Accessibility and discovery remain central to the update. The company refined its recommendation algorithms to surface relevant plugins during conversations, while also granting users granular control over individual access permissions. Furthermore, these plugins can be hosted on ChatGPT Sites, facilitating collaboration by allowing colleagues to interact with shared apps using their own data credentials. The company is also integrating support for the MCP Events specification, enabling plugins to trigger automated actions based on external events, effectively turning the chatbot into an active participant in a user’s software ecosystem.