OpenAI is expanding ChatGPT plugins with app-like interfaces, file viewers, improved discovery tools, and event-driven automations. Sarah Perez reports for TechCrunch that developers can now give their plugins a dedicated place in ChatGPT’s sidebar and build interactive panels directly within the chat experience.
The update changes how connected tools can appear in ChatGPT. Existing plugins already link the assistant with services such as Slack, SharePoint, Airtable, and Google Drive. The new extensions are intended to let users work inside a connected product without leaving their conversation with ChatGPT.
Developers can also add file viewers for formats used by their products. This could make it easier to open and review specialized files in ChatGPT, rather than relying only on text summaries or external applications.
New tools for developers and users
OpenAI is introducing a Plugin Creator tool to simplify plugin development. It is also redesigning the submission process for the plugin directory, with clearer feedback for developers. The company says it has improved how plugins are ranked and recommended, both in the directory and during conversations.
Users will be able to approve a plugin’s requested access individually when they choose to connect it. ChatGPT Sites, OpenAI’s lightweight site-building feature, can also host plugins. According to the company, people could share an app with colleagues while each colleague uses their own connected accounts, data, and permissions.
OpenAI is also adding support for the proposed MCP Events specification. This allows plugins to trigger automations when events occur in a connected application. For content teams, that could eventually support workflows that react to changes such as new files, updates, or incoming requests.
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