OpenAI aims to replace Google Assistant on its Android phones in 2024. Although ChatGPT is a success, accessing it on Android currently requires navigating to OpenAI's website or opening the app. This makes it less convenient to use and OpenAI seems to be aware of this.
In accordance with Android Authorityrecent developments in ChatGPT application code suggest an upcoming update that could define it as a smartphone's default digital assistant. ChatGPT version 1.2023.352, released last month, added a new activity called “com.openai.voice.assistant.AssistantActivity”.
Access the assistant from any screen
Although it is currently disabled by default, it will be disabled after activation and manual launch. An overlay will appear on the screen with the same rotating animation that appears when using voice chat mode in the app. This overlay does not take up the entire screen and provides the ability to access the assistant from any screen.
Nevertheless, the functionality is not yet complete as the animation is not yet completed and the activity is closed before interacting with the chatbot. This could indicate that the function is not yet complete or is controlled by an internal flag.
Introducing an XML file called “assistant_interaction_service” suggests that OpenAI aims to make ChatGPT the default digital assistant. On the other hand, the app was unable to create custom keywords as this requires privileged access to certain APIs that are only available to certain pre-installed apps.
