Most people use ChatGPT through a web browser. But what happens when ChatGPT can work more directly with your computer, files, and websites?
The ChatGPT desktop app introduces a different way to work with AI, moving beyond conversations and toward more hands-on assistance within your everyday work environment.
Our newest AI Apps & Agents Series course, ChatGPT Desktop, explores what makes the desktop experience different, how its capabilities work, and when using ChatGPT locally makes more sense than working in the cloud.
Led by SmarterX Director of Research Taylor Radey, this beginner-friendly course uses live demonstrations to show how ChatGPT can become a more active partner in your work.
What You'll Learn in ChatGPT Desktop
The ChatGPT experience is expanding beyond the traditional chat interface. With the desktop app, users can explore new ways to work alongside AI as it interacts with websites and local computer resources.
In this 20 minute course, you'll learn how to:
- Compare ChatGPT across devices. Understand the differences between using ChatGPT in a web browser, on desktop, and on mobile.
- Explore desktop-specific capabilities. Learn how browser automation, local computer access, and Codex fit into the desktop experience.
- Work with the built-in browser. See how ChatGPT can navigate websites alongside you through live demonstrations.
- Understand local versus cloud workflows. Discover when it makes sense to work with files and resources on your computer versus delegating tasks to a cloud-based environment.
- Choose the right environment for your work. Develop a practical framework for deciding when the desktop app is the best option for a particular task.
The course also introduces where Codex fits into the experience and why it may be useful even if you're not a developer.
From Chatting With AI to Working Alongside It
One of the most important distinctions covered in this course is the difference between asking ChatGPT for help and allowing it to work more directly within your environment.
Through live demonstrations, Taylor shows how the desktop app can support workflows involving websites and files stored on your computer.
You'll also explore how the desktop app's built-in browser differs from the cloud browser available through ChatGPT Work. Understanding that distinction can help you decide where to perform different kinds of tasks.
The goal isn't to replace the ChatGPT experience you already know. It's to help you understand when a more integrated desktop workflow can make your work easier.
Learn From SmarterX's Director of Research
The course is taught by Taylor Radey, Director of Research at SmarterX and an instructor supporting AI Academy by SmarterX.
Taylor leads original research exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming work, business, and society. With more than 15 years of experience advising teams on digital strategy, growth, and change management, she brings a practical perspective to emerging AI capabilities.
Her instruction focuses on helping professionals understand not just what AI tools can do, but when and how to use them effectively.
How to Watch
As AI tools become more capable of working with websites, files, and computer environments, knowing where and how to use them becomes increasingly important.
ChatGPT Desktop offers a practical introduction to these capabilities, helping you understand the differences between browser, desktop, and cloud-based workflows so you can make more informed decisions about how to work with AI.
The course is available to AI Mastery Members and is also available for individual purchase. Watch or purchase here.
This blog was written with support from ChatGPT.
Jeremy Zimmer
Jeremy Zimmer is the Director of Marketing for AI Academy by SmarterX.