OpenAI Acquires Multi to Develop ChatGPT Desktop App

OpenAI has purchased Multi, a startup, to develop the ChatGPT desktop application. The creator of Multi, Alexander Embiricos, is joining OpenAI. Multi will be shut down as of today. 

In a blog post, the firm stated, “We’ve closed new team signups, and currently active teams will be able to use the app until July 24, 2024, after which we’ll delete all user data.”

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“We’ve been debating how to use computers more and more. Really with computers, not just on or through them. With AI. The company stated in its blog post, “We think it’s one of the most significant product questions of our day. 

“There is a lot to say, but what matters? User communication and shipment. Keeping that in consideration… I’m thrilled to have become a member of the ChatGPT desktop team. Please send me bug reports and comments. DMs are open! Embiricos wrote on X.

Embiricos co-founded Multi, formerly known as Remotion, a collaboration platform in 2021 amid the major move to remote work. The company aimed to use a distant communication platform to mimic the unplanned cooperation of physical work locations. Facilitating spontaneous video calls and presence-based conversations was the aim.

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Users can share apps between workspaces with Multi. Teams, no matter where they are physically located, can collaborate, edit, and code together as if they were side by side. To deliver optimal user experience, the platform emphasizes audio quality and excellent screen sharing using native apps.

To date, the company has raised $13 million from investors, such as First Round and Greylock Partners. 

After buying Rockset, a data analytics startup co-founded in 2016 by former Meta programmers Dhruba Borthakur and Venkat Venkataramani for $105 million (INR 905 crore), OpenAI has made two acquisitions in as many weeks. This acquisition will improve OpenAI’s retrieval infrastructure by utilizing Rockset’s cutting-edge analytics.

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