The tech world is buzzing—and not always in a pleasant way—about the newly launched official ChatGPT app designed for Windows 11 and Windows 10. With Microsoft under scrutiny for its native app offerings—and OpenAI, its close partner, treading similar waters—the app's reception has predicted a steep uphill battle to win over users. Unfortunately for OpenAI, a recent examination by Windows Latest found the app to be a mere Electron-based wrapper around a Chrome browser. Let’s unpack what this means for Windows users seeking a seamless AI experience.
In summary, while the official ChatGPT app for Windows 11 introduces some interesting functionalities, the decision to use an Electron framework leaves much to be desired in terms of native app experience. Users deserve better, especially from a partnership boasting Microsoft’s backing. Let’s hope OpenAI courses correct as they iterate on this initial offering.
Source: Windows Latest I tried the official ChatGPT app for Windows 11 – it’s just an Electron-based Chrome wrapper
A Quick Overview: The Windows 11 ChatGPT App
The ChatGPT app has made its debut in an early-access phase, available exclusively to Plus, Team, and Enterprise users. It’s characterized as a work-in-progress that may not meet the high expectations users typically put on software developed in partnership with a tech giant like Microsoft. OpenAI hints at “bigger changes” around the corner, but skepticism hangs heavily—especially since the app lacks the use of Microsoft’s own recommended framework for web apps, WebView2.What’s Under the Hood? Just an Electron Browser, Really!
Electron apps are notoriously known for being resource-heavy. When the Windows Latest team downloaded and installed the ChatGPT app, Task Manager revealed its true colors—it was actually a Chromium-based Electron app. That means rather than being a light, nimble native application, it's wrapping a web page in a browser-like environment.Resource Usage Breakdown
Let’s dissect the app further:- Size Matters: The app's sizable footprint clocks in at around 260MB, attributed to the inclusion of numerous Chromium files such as
chrome_100_percent.pakandchrome_200_percent.pak, essential for Electron-based applications. - Comparison with Copilot: A notable point of comparison is Microsoft’s own Copilot, which weighs in at less than 600KB. Copilot operates using the more lightweight Edge WebView2, highlighting the glaring difference in efficiency between the two.
The Electron Conundrum
While Electron framework allows for cross-platform compatibility and simplifies the development process for developers familiar with web technologies, its resource consumption has been criticized—especially when it might not be necessary. If OpenAI aimed to create a subpar web app, WebView2 was at their fingertips. They could have even ventured into building a native Windows App SDK app, akin to their Mac counterpart.A Silver Lining: Picture-in-Picture Mode
In terms of usability, the ChatGPT app introduces a picture-in-picture mode, allowing users to open the app in a smaller window while multitasking. However, there's a catch: the default shortcut (Alt+Space) conflicts with Microsoft's PowerToys, which could frustrate some users. It’s a minor inconvenience, but the fact that a workaround is necessary underscores the app's rough edges in terms of user experience.The Bigger Picture: What Does This Mean?
The chatter surrounding the app’s shortcomings may reflect broader trends in app development for Windows systems. Users may start to question whether a company that has such substantial investment from Microsoft has the capacity or willingness to deliver a robust native application experience. Could this signify a conscious retreat into web app wrappers for the sake of expediency? Or perhaps an acknowledgment that native applications require a level of commitment that may not align with developers’ goals?What Are Your Thoughts?
As always, user feedback is vital. If you're among the lucky few with early access, what are your impressions? Does the resource-heavy nature of this app deter you, or do the AI capabilities make it worthwhile? Join the conversation below and let your voice be heard!In summary, while the official ChatGPT app for Windows 11 introduces some interesting functionalities, the decision to use an Electron framework leaves much to be desired in terms of native app experience. Users deserve better, especially from a partnership boasting Microsoft’s backing. Let’s hope OpenAI courses correct as they iterate on this initial offering.
Source: Windows Latest I tried the official ChatGPT app for Windows 11 – it’s just an Electron-based Chrome wrapper