ChatGPT's new App Hub has exploded with useful tools, but figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. Instead of scrolling through dozens of apps, I picked five that I think offer the biggest day-to-day benefits for anyone over 50.
From planning your next vacation to designing family invitations, these apps solve real problems — and because they're built into ChatGPT, you can simply describe what you want in plain English.
Here are the five I'd install first:
How to install a ChatGPT app
If you haven't explored ChatGPT's App Hub yet, getting started only takes a minute.
Open ChatGPT on the web or in the mobile app and start a new chat.
- Click Apps (or the + button, depending on your version of ChatGPT).
- Browse the App Hub or search for a specific app, such as Expedia, Canva or Zillow.
- Select the app and choose Connect or Add if prompted.
- Once it's connected, simply ask ChatGPT to complete a task using that app. For example, after connecting to Expedia, you can type: "Use Expedia to find nonstop flights from Newark to San Diego in October." ChatGPT automatically routes your request through the app, so there's no need to switch between websites or learn a new interface.
1. Expedia — for planning your next trip
Planning a vacation often means bouncing between airline sites, hotel booking pages and travel blogs. The Expedia app brings much of that planning into a single conversation.
Instead of comparing dozens of tabs, you can tell ChatGPT exactly what you're looking for, and the app will help narrow your options.
Try this prompt: "Plan a seven-day trip to Maine in September for two adults. I want nonstop flights from Newark, waterfront accommodations under $250 a night, fresh seafood restaurants and one whale-watching excursion."
The app can suggest flights, hotels and activities while helping you build a realistic itinerary.
2. Canva — for invitations, greeting cards and family keepsakes
You don't need graphic design experience to create something that looks polished.
Whether you're making a birthday invitation, retirement party announcement, holiday card or family newsletter, Canva lets you create professional-looking designs simply by describing what you want.
Try this prompt: "Design an elegant retirement party invitation with blue flowers, room for RSVP information and a classic serif font."
Once the design is generated, you can continue tweaking it inside ChatGPT before opening it in Canva.
4. Norton — for spotting scams before they fool you
Online scams are becoming more sophisticated every year, from fake package delivery texts to convincing phishing emails and fraudulent websites. The Norton app inside ChatGPT adds an extra layer of protection by helping you identify suspicious messages before you click.
If you receive an email or text that doesn't feel right, you can ask ChatGPT to analyze it using Norton and explain what looks suspicious in plain English.
Try this prompt: "Use Norton to analyze this email and tell me if it looks like a phishing scam. Explain any warning signs before I click any links."
You can also use it to check text messages, social media messages and unfamiliar websites. While no security tool is perfect, getting a second opinion can help you avoid some of today's most common online scams.
4. Spotify (or Apple Music) — for rediscovering great music
Streaming services contain millions of songs — but finding new favorites isn't always easy. Inside ChatGPT, you can build playlists based on your favorite artists, decades or even memories.
Try this prompt: "Create a relaxing playlist that starts with James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac and Billy Joel, then introduces newer artists with a similar sound."
It's a fun way to expand your library without endlessly browsing playlists. I use it all the time before taking a walk or to make my workouts more enjoyable.
5. Zillow — for downsizing, relocating or simply dreaming
Whether you're actively house hunting or just curious about what's available, Zillow becomes much easier to use through conversation.
Instead of filling out dozens of search filters, simply describe your ideal home.
Try this prompt: "Show me single-story homes under $450,000 within 30 minutes of Princeton, New Jersey, with low property taxes, a two-car garage and a small yard."
The conversational approach often surfaces listings you might have missed using a standard search.
There are many more apps to try
One of my favorite things about ChatGPT's App Hub is that you don't have to learn five different interfaces. You simply tell ChatGPT what you're trying to accomplish, and these apps do the heavy lifting behind the scenes.
If you're just getting started, I'd begin with Expedia or Canva. Both are easy to use, solve everyday problems and show just how much more natural AI becomes when it can work directly with the services you already know. And these are just five of the dozens available. Give them a try and share your thoughts in the comments.
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