Can ChatGPT really replace your apps? I tried using the chatbot for 12 everyday tasks on my phone — here’s what happened
I used ChatGPT instead of 12 everyday phone apps to see what it could replace today — and what still works much better with a dedicated app.
In a recent experiment, a reporter tested ChatGPT against 12 everyday tasks on their phone to determine if the chatbot could effectively replace apps. Apple and OpenAI are currently embroiled in a legal dispute, with Apple accusing OpenAI of stealing trade secrets and poaching employees. Despite this ongoing conflict, the two companies have previously collaborated, with OpenAI's ChatGPT integrated into Apple devices in 2024.
Additionally, OpenAI acquired io, a hardware startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, hinting at potential future hardware developments powered by AI. While the specifics of the legal case remain unclear, the situation has raised questions about Apple's concerns regarding OpenAI's potential entry into hardware.
For the experiment, the reporter abstained from tasks such as setting alarms, using the stopwatch, playing word games, stargazing, checking the weather, and engaging in guided meditations, as ChatGPT lacked the necessary capabilities to perform these functions. Out of the 12 tasks, only weather-related inquiries proved successful, with ChatGPT providing accurate information from a reliable source.
The remaining tasks, including the stopwatch, alarm, word games, stargazing, and guided meditation, resulted in partial or complete failures.
The stopwatch and alarm tests highlighted ChatGPT's inability to measure elapsed time or deliver timely notifications, necessitating the use of the built-in Clock app. Word games and stargazing faced similar issues, with ChatGPT's interface proving clunky and less intuitive compared to dedicated apps. The guided meditation test demonstrated that while ChatGPT could generate voice prompts, the experience lacked the relaxation and engagement provided by specialized meditation apps.
In conclusion, while ChatGPT demonstrated some capabilities in performing everyday tasks, it struggled to replicate the user experience and functionality offered by specialized apps. The experiment revealed that certain functions, such as weather updates, served as areas where ChatGPT excelled, but the overall practicality of relying on the chatbot for these tasks remained questionable.
Written by urgent.news from TechRadar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
