Why Did OpenAI Just Acquire a Screen-Sharing Startup?

The “Multiplayer” Collaboration Software Firm Joins the ChatGPT Desktop Project

In a strategic move to bolster its ChatGPT desktop project, OpenAI has acquired Multi, a New York-based screen-sharing and collaboration software startup. This acquisition, announced by Multi on Tuesday, marks another significant step for OpenAI, coming less than a week after it acquired analytics database provider Rockset.

“Recently, we’ve been asking ourselves how we should work with computers. Not on or using, but truly with computers. With AI,” the company wrote. “We think it’s one of the most important product questions of our time.”

Although OpenAI declined to comment on the Multi acquisition, VentureBeat reported confirmation from a source close to OpenAI.

Multi’s Journey: From Remotion to OpenAI

Launched in 2019 as Remotion, Multi developed innovative screen-sharing and collaboration software for Mac users, allowing up to 10 people to work on projects simultaneously in a “multiplayer” mode. However, with the acquisition by OpenAI, Multi announced it will shut down its service and delete all user data by July 24.

Multi’s Integration into OpenAI

The Multi team will now join OpenAI, focusing on enhancing the ChatGPT application for desktop computers. Multi co-founder Alexander Embiricos has already taken to Twitter, encouraging ChatGPT users to provide feedback and report bugs directly to him.

“So much to say, but what matters most?” he tweeted. “Talking to users and shipping.”

He expressed his excitement about joining the ChatGPT desktop team and urged users to send their feedback and bug reports, keeping his DMs open for communication.

A New Era for ChatGPT Desktop

Coinciding with the Multi acquisition announcement, OpenAI also revealed that its ChatGPT desktop app for Mac is now widely available. Users with the latest operating system running on Apple Silicon chips can now access this new version.

The ChatGPT desktop app for macOS offers users faster access to ChatGPT, enabling them to chat about emails, screenshots, and anything on their screen using the Option + Space shortcut.

Privacy and Security Concerns

The integration of AI tools with screen-sharing capabilities has raised privacy and security concerns. In May, Microsoft faced backlash over its Recall software for Copilot+ PC, which periodically took screenshots of the user’s computer screen and indexed the contents. Following the uproar, Microsoft announced the release would be opt-in and limited to beta testers.

OpenAI has also faced criticism regarding safety and rapid development. In June, exiled whistleblower Edward Snowden criticized OpenAI for adding former NSA director General Paul Nakasone to its board, warning users against trusting OpenAI and its products.

The Road Ahead

The Multi acquisition is part of OpenAI’s continued efforts to enhance its product offerings and improve user experience. With the integration of Multi’s collaborative tools, the ChatGPT desktop application is poised to offer more advanced features, paving the way for more seamless human-computer interactions.

OpenAI’s strategic hires, like Multi’s team and other talented engineers, underscore its commitment to innovation and development in the AI space. As the company navigates these advancements, addressing privacy and security concerns will be paramount to maintaining user trust and ensuring the responsible deployment of AI technologies.