Android users, are you tired of Google ignoring Google Assistant? Now, one of Google’s biggest rivals, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, is apparently taking over the premium phone space occupied by Google’s voice assistant. It seems that they are aiming for this. Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman has discovered that the ChatGPT app is working on support for his Android voice assistant API and system-wide overlay UI. Once the company rolls out this feature, users will be able to set up his ChatGPT app as a system-wide assistant app that will pop up anywhere on Android and respond to user questions. ChatGPT started as a text-only generation AI, but added voice and image input capabilities in September.
Normally, this is Google Assistant, which is available system-wide on Android, but it’s not Google’s special home cooking. Everything is technically done via a public API that any app can connect to. Only one app can be enabled as the system-wide “default assistant app”. After initial configuration, users must always make manual changes. The Assistant API is designed to be powerful, allowing you to keep parts of your app running 24/7 no matter where you are. Being the default Assistant app, you can launch the app with the power button or gesture, and the Assist app can read and process the text and images on your current screen.
If some Android manufacturer struck a deal with ChatGPT and included it as a bundled system application, ChatGPT could also use always-on voice hotwords, so when you say something like “Hey ChatGPT,” The app will start even when is off. However, system apps get more permissions than regular apps, and always-on hotwords are locked behind those system app permissions, so ChatGPT has to enter into a distribution agreement with his Android manufacturer. there is. However, given how popular ChatGPT is, some people will likely sign up if it is offered.
Rahman discovered that ChatGPT version 1.2023.352, released last month, includes a new activity called “com.openai.voice.assistant.AssistantActivity.” He successfully enabled features that are normally disabled and revealed a new overlay API for ChatGPT. It’s the usual translucent, rotating orb UI that voice assistants use, but Rahman hasn’t yet been able to get it to respond to voice commands. This is all semi-broken and under development, so we may never see a final release, but companies usually release features that are still in development.
Of course, the problem with these third-party voice assistant apps as an alternative to Google Assistant is that they don’t run a full-fledged app ecosystem. There’s no better app than Bixby or Alexa to host notes, reminders, calendar entries, shopping list items, and other input-based features. However, it’s probably a good alternative to Google search, where you can ask a question and get an answer.
Google has ignored Google Assistant for years, but with the rise of generative AI, it’s working to incorporate the wisdom of Google Bard and revamp it. Apple is also reportedly working on another assistant, Pixie, which will likely launch alongside the Pixel 9 near the end of 2024.