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OpenAI

Former Shopify Product Leader Joins OpenAI

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Former Shopify executive Glen Coates has joined OpenAI as head of its app platform, where he will oversee the integration of third-party applications into ChatGPT. Coates previously served as vice-president and head of core product at Shopify, a discipline closely guarded by CEO Tobi Lütke.

He joined the commerce company through its 2019 acquisition of Handshake and departed earlier this year. At OpenAI, Coates will help position ChatGPT as a central interface for tasks such as browsing listings or creating playlists. Shopify has since named former Cohere executive Eric Hu as its new principal designer.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Logic.

OpenAI Eyes Canadian Expansion, Meets with AI Minister

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OpenAI is exploring a stronger presence in Canada, including potential offices and data centre investments, according to global affairs chief Chris Lehane. Speaking at Elevate Festival in Toronto, Lehane confirmed the company met this week with AI Minister Evan Solomon and industry leaders to discuss Canada’s sovereign AI ambitions.

Lehane said Canada’s “strong AI talent, energy access, and capital” make it an ideal partner for OpenAI. The U.S.-based firm, which already collaborates with Shopify and has new partnerships with Creative Destruction Lab and the Vancouver Board of Trade, is “listening and learning” as it considers deeper Canadian engagement.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on BetaKit.

ChatGPT Adds Commerce With Etsy, Shopify Integration

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OpenAI has introduced Instant Checkout, a new feature enabling U.S. ChatGPT users to purchase products directly through the chatbot. The service initially supports single-item transactions with Etsy sellers and will soon extend to over one million Shopify merchants, including brands such as Skims and Glossier.

Shares of Etsy and Shopify rose about five percent following Monday’s announcement. OpenAI will collect fees from transactions but said user prices will remain unaffected. Product lead Michelle Fradin described the feature as part of ChatGPT’s mission to help people “get things done.” Multi-item carts and broader availability are planned.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Fintech.ca.

Canadian Media Battle OpenAI in Copyright Showdown

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Canadian publishers have accused OpenAI of breaching copyright law by using millions of articles to train ChatGPT, launching a lawsuit in Ontario Superior Court. Plaintiffs include Torstar, Postmedia, The Globe and Mail, CBC/Radio-Canada, and The Canadian Press, which allege unauthorized use of more than ten million works since 2015.

They seek damages up to $20,000 per work, plus profits and an injunction. OpenAI contends the case belongs under U.S. copyright law, arguing its activities occur outside Ontario. The hearing begins today, marking Canada’s first major AI copyright suit.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on BetaKit.

OpenAI Unveils ‘Deep Research’ for In-Depth AI Analysis

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OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT deep research, an AI-powered tool designed for complex, in-depth inquiries. Available to Pro users with 100 monthly queries, the feature aims to support finance, science, and policy professionals. Unlike traditional chatbot summaries, deep research provides cited, documented responses after analyzing multiple sources.

Powered by OpenAI’s o3 model, it outperforms competitors but remains prone to errors and misinterpretations. Future updates will introduce visual data outputs and integration with specialized sources. While OpenAI insists deep research enhances AI reliability, concerns persist over accuracy and the ability of users to critically assess AI-generated findings.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on TechCrunch.