Next big bet OpenAI This will hit Google the hardest: the native integration of its services into Android. Reportedly Android authoritySam Altman’s people are working on a feature that allows users can replace Google Assistant with ChatGPT on their phones.
This is clear from some clues found in the code of version 1.2023.352 of ChatGPT for Android. The APK file includes a new action that points to the functionality of calling the chatbot and making voice requests. And all this without having to open a special application.
The type of activity in question, designated as com.openai.voice.assistant.AssistantActivity, disabled by default. When activated Android Authority explains that ChatGPT can be “woke” on top of Google Assistant using the same commands.
This means that, for example, if you hold down the center button of the navigation controls on your Android mobile device – the one that allows you to return to the home screen – instead of activating Google Assistant, the animation that ChatGPT uses will play. appears in your app when you want to ask it a question using your voice. Of course, there’s still no way to trigger a chatbot using keywords like “Hey Google.”
In fact, in a video posted by the above-mentioned channel, the animation can be seen running at the bottom of the screen and running across any open app. But although the “Connecting” and “Listening” indications appear on the screen, chatbot assistant version still not working.
This is likely because OpenAI has not yet finished developing the necessary features for ChatGPT to replace Google Assistant as the default virtual assistant on Android. However, the presence of an XML file with many tags and links to this feature is also present in the APK of the chatbot. So what could it be just a matter of time until we see this option available.
ChatGPT puts Google Assistant in the spotlight
Be careful, since this option is under development, there is always the possibility that OpenAI change strategy and refuse to launch. Although personally I don’t think this will happen. Such a big bet seems logical, since it would expand the reach of ChatGPT and create serious problems for Google.
After all, it is a fact that Mountain View is working on a Bard-based version of its assistant. Therefore, we are talking about a hypothetical direct competition between the two most advanced chatbots with artificial intelligence today.
The reality is also that today Sam Altman’s people seem to be the only ones who have technology powerful enough – and widely accepted by the public – to become a real alternative to Google Assistant via ChatGPT. Samsung tried this with Bixby back in the day, but it was quickly forgotten, and Amazon also failed to push Alexa as an alternative for mass adoption on Android.
OpenAI knows that it is very difficult for users to change the default enabled services on their devices. Something that happens not only on Android, but also on a general level. That’s why you need to demonstrate that ChatGPT is a fast, complete, and effective alternative to Google Assistant. But that is not all. You must also prove that the public you will not lose integration with other applications or services if they refuse the default option. We will closely monitor the news.
Source: Hiper Textual
I’m Ben Stock, a highly experienced and passionate journalist with a career in the news industry spanning more than 10 years. I specialize in writing content for websites, including researching and interviewing sources to produce engaging articles. My current role is as an author at Gadget Onus, where I mainly cover the mobile section.
