OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has offered a glimpse into where ChatGPT could be headed over the next six months, describing a future that goes well beyond traditional AI tasks such as drafting emails or summarising documents.
In an interview with Cory Levy, founder of Z Fellow, Altman described what he called the “decendence of ChatGPT” — a version of the AI that could potentially monitor a user's computer screen, meetings and calls, while continuously recording information. The idea is to create an AI that understands what a person is doing on their computer in real time and uses that context to assist them throughout the day.
Users could also connect services such as email, text messages, documents and Slack, allowing the AI to draw information from multiple sources.
While such a system could make ChatGPT significantly more useful, it also raises obvious concerns about surveillance and privacy.
Altman said the underlying principle would be that users remain in control of what information the AI can access. Rather than making decisions independently, the system would operate alongside users, using the large amount of available context to make recommendations or handle smaller tasks.
For instance, while preparing a sales pitch, ChatGPT could examine a customer's previous interactions, history and relevant documents before recommending changes. Similarly, while drafting a strategy document, it could identify a potential error or propose an alternative approach.
Altman suggested that such an AI could essentially function as an additional pair of hands for people overwhelmed by information and responsibilities.
“If you're like the CEO of a startup, there's always like more stuff to do than you can do,” he said, adding that people cannot keep track of all the available context themselves.
OpenAI IS ALREADY MOVING IN THIS DIRECTION
Altman's comments come shortly after OpenAI introduced Computer History for the ChatGPT desktop application on Mac.
The feature allows ChatGPT to retain information about activity across selected applications and websites, providing the AI with greater context about what users have been doing. Rather than relying on screenshots, OpenAI says Computer History uses activity data accessed through macOS accessibility features, including clicks, typing, keyboard shortcuts and transitions between applications.
The feature must be manually enabled by users, who can choose which applications and websites are included in the history. They can also pause data collection or delete previously stored activity.
Computer History is considerably more limited than the system Altman described, but the underlying concept is similar: give ChatGPT greater awareness of a user's activities so they do not have to repeatedly explain their situation.
If Altman's comments are any indication, OpenAI appears to be working towards making ChatGPT a much more context-aware assistant, potentially capable of understanding and assisting with a user's digital life throughout the day.
