Desktop AI-powered tools just got more crowded. Anthropic and Perplexity, two prominent AI platforms, have released native desktop apps, bringing their chatbots, Claude and Perplexity, to Mac and Windows users. These releases come as OpenAI updates its ChatGPT app with voice capabilities, intensifying the competition among AI tools available on desktop.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
New Desktop App for Perplexity
Perplexity’s new desktop app offers users a streamlined, AI-driven search experience. Previously accessible via mobile and web, the app now allows users to initiate queries from anywhere on their desktop using a quick keyboard shortcut. This seamless setup makes it easy to carry on a conversational flow with the AI and dig deeper with follow-up questions. Though the app is free to download, Perplexity offers subscriptions for users who need expanded capabilities.
Historically, Perplexity’s emphasis on AI-driven search distinguished it from OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which focuses on general-purpose conversations. However, the line is blurring; OpenAI recently released SearchGPT, a version of ChatGPT tailored for search-specific tasks. Though this feature isn’t yet in the ChatGPT desktop app, the addition raises the stakes in the competition between Perplexity and OpenAI .
Claude by Anthropic Goes Desktop
Anthropic’s Claude chatbot, known for its strengths in assisting with software development and complex queries, now has a native desktop app for both Mac and Windows users. Unlike the staggered rollout by OpenAI, Anthropic chose to introduce the app across both operating systems simultaneously, ensuring access to a broader user base from the start. While the app remains in beta, it’s free to download, with premium services available for power users.
The addition of Claude to the desktop arena positions it as a direct competitor to ChatGPT, especially for users in tech and development fields. Anthropic’s choice to launch the app for both platforms also contrasts with OpenAI’s approach, which initially focused only on Mac users before releasing a Windows version .
OpenAI Expands ChatGPT Desktop Capabilities
Not to be left behind, OpenAI has added a voice feature to its ChatGPT Mac app, allowing users to interact with the chatbot through voice commands. This update aims to create a more conversational experience, aligning with OpenAI’s goal of making ChatGPT a versatile tool for everyday use. While SearchGPT isn’t yet integrated into this desktop version, OpenAI’s frequent updates indicate a commitment to maintaining ChatGPT’s relevance across user needs .
TF Summary: What’s Next
As Anthropic, Perplexity, and OpenAI compete in the desktop AI space, users benefit from enhanced access and specialized features tailored to their needs. These developments make AI tools even more accessible, seamlessly integrated into daily workflows. Whether for search, software development, or conversation, these desktop options give users more flexibility and options for leveraging AI right on their computers.
— Text-to-Speech (TTS) provided by gspeech