Move over Copilot, this updated app brings the latest GPT models to the Windows 11 desktop
DesktopGPT lets you summon an AI tool with a keystroke, and it aims to save you from repetitive tasks.
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What you need to know
Windows 11 integrates closer with AI as each day goes by. Microsoft Copilot lives in the taskbar and an increasing number of Microsoft services rely on AI in 2024. But Microsoft isn’t the only tech giant in town. In fact, it can’t even claim exclusive rights to placing an AI model at your fingertips through the desktop. Stardock’s DesktopGPT allows you to summon AI with a keystroke, and the app justreceived a major update.
The latest version of DesktopGPT supportsOpenAI’s GPT-4o and GPT-4o-mini models. But the headline feature is that the app now lets you use your own API key if you pay for a premium tier from OpenAI. DesktopGPT will then use your available credits to perform tasks.
Some quality-of-life improvements improve the DesktopGPT experience as well, including the default hotkey for the app being set to Ctrl+Alt+O. The app lets you view your history by pressing Alt+H as well. Pressing F1 when using the app will show all available keyboard shortcuts within DesktopGPT.
Stardock also added support for using Markdown when having DesktopGPT works through a chat template.
Object Desktop | $39.99 at Stardock
The tool ships with over a dozen third-party apps designed to enhance your user experience on Windows, including Start11, Fences 5, Groupy 2, and more. The platform adds a modern touch to your operating system and can be tailored to meet your needs and wants.
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How to get DesktopGPT
DesktopGPT started as a tool used internally at Stardock. The company then decided to refine it and roll it out to the public as an app. “DesktopGPT is the evolution of a tool that we were using internally at Stardock to help us be more effective with our AI interactions,” said Stardock GM of Software Brad Sams. “And at the heart of DesktopGPT are templates that are a powerful way to streamline your repetitive tasks.”
At the moment, the only way to use DesktopGPT is to purchase the Object Desktop suite, which normally costs $49.99 (it occasionally goes on sale).
Copilot vs GPT
Microsoft and OpenAI have astrange relationship. The two companies are both close partners andcompetitors. Microsoft Copilot relies on OpenAI’s tech and that OpenAI tech, in turn, relies on Microsoft Azure. Microsoft is also OpenAI’s largest investor, havingshipped billions of dollars to OpenAI.
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The nature of the relationship between Microsoft and OpenAI may not matter to either company, as long as both see consistent growth, but there are doubts surrounding AI.ChatGPT passed 200 million weekly active usersrecently, but OpenAI is reportedly on the verge of bankruptcy. Despite being one of the hottest topics in tech, OpenAI isprojected to lose $5 billion in 2024. OpenAI may need to call on its competitor/partner/investor Microsoft. The Redmond-based tech giant is said to beprepared to bail out OpenAIwith some additional investment fromAppleandNVIDIAreportedly on the way to OpenAI.
Several questions surround AI at the moment, including if the tech can be financially viable for all parties involved.High electricityandwater consumptionare also key concerns. Several studies havewarned of AI projects being abandonedin the future. We’ll have to see what’s in the cards for OpenAI and Microsoft in the AI space. For now, there are several ways to bring up tools powered by those companies on the Windows 11 desktop.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
