OpenAI Acquires Multi to Enhance ChatGPT with New Desktop App

OpenAI has made headlines once again with its acquisition of the startup Multi, a move aimed at building a dedicated desktop application for ChatGPT. The acquisition marks a significant step in OpenAI's ongoing efforts to enhance user interaction and accessibility for its popular AI chatbot.

The Vision Behind the Acquisition

Multi, previously known as Remotion, was co-founded by Alexander Embiricos in 2021. The company was born during the significant shift to remote work, with a mission to replicate the spontaneous collaboration found in in-person work environments through a remote communication platform. Multi's platform allowed users to share applications across workspaces, enabling teams to code, edit, and work together seamlessly, regardless of their physical location. With features like impromptu video calls and presence-based interactions, Multi aimed to foster a more connected and efficient remote work experience.

Transition and Shutdown

As part of the acquisition, Multi will cease its operations, with the shutdown process already underway. The company has stopped new team signups and announced that currently active teams will be able to use the app until July 24, 2024. Following this date, all user data will be deleted. In a blog post, Multi reflected on its journey and the evolving relationship between humans and computers: “We’ve been increasingly asking ourselves how we should work with computers. Not on or using computers, but truly with computers. With AI. We believe it’s one of the most important product questions of our time.”

A New Chapter for Alexander Embiricos

Alexander Embiricos, the founder of Multi, will be joining OpenAI to lead the development of the ChatGPT desktop app. Embiricos expressed his enthusiasm in a post on X, inviting users to provide feedback and report bugs as the project progresses: “So much to say, but what matters most? Talking to users and shipping. With that in mind… I couldn’t be more excited to have joined the ChatGPT desktop team. Send me your feedback and bug reports. DMs open!”

Enhancing ChatGPT's Capabilities

The acquisition of Multi aligns with OpenAI's broader strategy to enhance the capabilities and accessibility of ChatGPT. By developing a desktop application, OpenAI aims to provide a more seamless and integrated user experience. The desktop app will likely leverage Multi’s expertise in remote collaboration and high-quality screen sharing to create an intuitive platform for users to interact with ChatGPT.

OpenAI's Expansion Strategy

This acquisition is part of a series of strategic moves by OpenAI to expand its technological footprint. Just a week before acquiring Multi, OpenAI purchased Rockset, a data analytics company founded in 2016 by former Meta engineers Dhruba Borthakur and Venkat Venkataramani, for $105 million. Rockset's advanced analytics capabilities are expected to enhance OpenAI’s retrieval infrastructure, further improving the performance and efficiency of its AI models.

Funding and Future Prospects

Multi raised $13 million in funding from notable investors including Greylock Partners and First Round. This financial backing reflects the confidence investors had in Multi’s vision and technology. As Multi transitions into OpenAI, its legacy of fostering spontaneous and effective remote collaboration will continue to influence the development of the ChatGPT desktop app.

Conclusion

OpenAI’s acquisition of Multi signifies a strategic effort to enhance user interaction with ChatGPT through a dedicated desktop application. By integrating Multi’s innovative remote collaboration tools, OpenAI aims to create a more seamless and engaging experience for its users. As Alexander Embiricos joins OpenAI, the tech community eagerly anticipates the advancements that will emerge from this collaboration. The move also underscores OpenAI's commitment to continuously improving its AI offerings, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological innovation.