OpenAI's ChatGPT gears up to serve as default assistant app on Android devices

OpenAI's ChatGPT is reportedly preparing to serve as a default assistant app on Android, similar to Google Assistant. When set as the default assistant, ChatGPT could replace Google Assistant in certain functions, such as long-pressing the home or power button and swipe gestures in Android's navigation system.

According to Android Authority, te latest version of the ChatGPT app introduces a new activity, com.openai.voice.assistant.AssistantActivity, which triggers an overlay. This overlay suggests the addition of voice input support. The new features are not automatically activated, and the code only points to continuous work towards this aim. Certain code elements, like an XML file named "assistant_interaction_service" and a tag named "supportsAssist," indicate ongoing development ot the functionality.

There is no clear timeline for when ChatGPT might officially become a default assistant app on Android, or if it will indeed happen. In any case, it would be an interesting alternative not only to Google Assistant but also to other assistants like Amazon Alexa, Siri, or Bixby.