The Best ChatGPT App Integrations I Actually Use

The recent launch of ChatGPT Apps opens up a new world of possibilities by allowing users to connect popular services directly within the chatbot interface. This integration means you can now interact with apps like Spotify, Canva, Expedia, and Zillow without leaving the ChatGPT environment, potentially streamlining tasks from creating playlists to planning trips.

Getting started with these app integrations is straightforward for all users, including those on the free plan. You simply type the application name as the first word in the text box. If it’s your first time using that app, you’ll be prompted to connect your account by signing in. After that initial setup, calling the app by name is all it takes to begin. Alternatively, you can activate multiple apps at once through the Settings menu under Apps and Connectors. There, you can browse available apps, select the ones you want, and sign in to each. You also retain full control, with the ability to deactivate any connection whenever you choose.

Connecting an app does involve sharing certain data with ChatGPT. While this can enhance personalization, it’s important to review the data handling policies. OpenAI states that data shared with apps is managed according to each app’s own terms of service and privacy policies, which are displayed before you enable the integration.

Testing the creative capabilities with Spotify and Canva revealed a mix of results. The Spotify integration aims to generate playlists based on your descriptions or listening history. In practice, however, the playlists didn’t always hit the mark. One test requested a Taylor Swift playlist centered on songs about having a crush, but the resulting list included tracks like “marjorie,” which is about her grandmother, and the breakup anthem “All Too Well.” Another attempt to create a personalized playlist based on existing listening habits produced a collection of generic popular songs that didn’t reflect individual taste.

The Canva experience proved more direct and useful. A prompt asking for a fall-themed party invitation yielded a poster with appropriate autumn decor. While the AI-generated images sometimes contained slightly warped text and extra wording not requested, the ability to open the project directly in Canva for quick edits was a significant advantage over starting from scratch.

For practical browsing and planning, the Zillow and Expedia integrations stood out. Zillow’s demo highlighted how AI can simplify property searches. A prompt to find apartments in Crown Heights, Brooklyn quickly displayed a map with listings, and follow-up requests to filter by price worked seamlessly. This approach eliminates several steps typically needed on the Zillow website, creating a smoother search process.

Expedia offered a similar, engaging experience. A query for lodging near Woodstock in upstate New York not only provided a map with options but also prompted thoughtful follow-up questions about budget and nearby activities. When booking flights, the system already recognized the user’s home city, populating relevant flights instantly. This use of ChatGPT’s memory feature demonstrates how AI can enhance user experience by anticipating needs.

ChatGPT Apps clearly hold promise for making everyday digital tasks more intuitive. Integrations like Zillow and Expedia show how AI can add genuine value by simplifying complex searches and offering smart, conversational assistance. On the other hand, features such as Spotify’s playlist creation illustrate that not every AI addition solves a real user problem effectively. The overall success of these apps will depend heavily on how thoughtfully developers implement AI to enhance their core services. Based on the positive interactions seen so far, ChatGPT could very well evolve into an operating system that users regularly rely on.

(Source: ZDNET)