Simon Willison discovered that both Claude and ChatGPT allow access to custom Model Context Protocol servers, though the setup process is not immediately obvious within their standard web chat interfaces. He spent time exploring the configuration steps to connect these external tools directly to the main conversation window.
This capability matters because it bridges the gap between static chat boxes and dynamic external applications without requiring users to switch contexts. It allows the underlying models to interact with live data or specific workflows while keeping the user in the primary interface.
* Configuration requires multiple distinct steps
* The feature exists in both major platforms
* Integration happens within the standard chat UI
