TLDR
- OpenAI launches GPT-5 with auto-switching system and four new personality options (Cynic, Robot, Listener, Nerd)
- Enhanced coding capabilities allow users to create interactive apps through natural language prompts
- Gmail and Google Calendar integration rolling out to Pro users next week for automatic data pulling
- ChatGPT weekly active users reached 700 million, up from 300 million in December
- Advanced voice mode gets improvements with better instruction understanding and custom GPT support
OpenAI launched GPT-5 on Thursday, marking a major upgrade to its ChatGPT platform. The new model introduces personality customization, enhanced coding features, and improved Google service integration.
The most visible change removes the model picker interface that previously let users choose between different AI models. GPT-5 now runs as the default with an auto-switching system that combines previous models into what OpenAI describes as a faster experience.
ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team subscribers can still access a model picker to switch between GPT-5 and GPT-5 Thinking. Pro and Team users receive additional access to GPT-Thinking Pro, while free users gain access to advanced reasoning capabilities previously limited to paid tiers.
OpenAI retired several older models including GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, and GPT-4.5 as part of this transition. The company claims GPT-5 delivers fewer hallucinations and improved accuracy compared to previous versions.
CEO Sam Altman described GPT-5 as “like talking to an expert” and “a legitimate PhD-level expert in any area you need.” OpenAI says the model outperforms all other models on the market for coding and reached a new record high in the coding benchmark SWE-bench.
New Personality System Changes User Experience
ChatGPT now offers four preset personalities for different conversation styles. The Cynic personality provides sarcastic and direct responses with wit, while Robot delivers precise, emotionless answers without extra words.
The Listener offers warm, reflective responses with calm clarity. Nerd provides playful explanations while celebrating knowledge and discovery, addressing sycophancy issues present in GPT-4o.
These personalities operate on a chat-by-chat basis and can be adjusted in ChatGPT settings. Users can switch back to the default style at any time through the interface.
OpenAI has also introduced visual customization options for the ChatGPT interface. Users can now set accent colors that change the appearance of conversation bubbles, voice buttons, and highlighted text.
Enhanced Coding and Voice Features Roll Out
GPT-5 includes improved “vibe coding” capabilities that allow users to generate code and create interactive applications using natural language prompts. The system can build websites and apps based on detailed descriptions, with users able to preview results through Canvas.
OpenAI demonstrated this feature by creating a French language-learning website during a livestream presentation. Users can interact with generated applications directly within the ChatGPT interface.
Advanced voice mode receives updates that help it better understand instructions and adapt speaking styles. The feature now works with custom GPTs, addressing a previous limitation that users had requested.
OpenAI is retiring standard voice mode while offering near-unlimited advanced voice mode usage for paid subscribers. Free users receive expanded hours for voice capabilities, though usage limits still apply.
Voice mode improvements include better instruction comprehension and the ability to tailor responses based on context. All users including free tier subscribers will have access to the enhanced voice capabilities.
Pro users will gain Gmail and Google Calendar integration starting next week, with other subscription tiers receiving access later. This feature allows ChatGPT to automatically reference email and calendar information when planning schedules or organizing tasks.
The system will ask users to connect accounts when relevant prompts are entered, such as schedule planning requests. OpenAI is also introducing GPT-5 Mini and GPT-5 Nano models designed for cost-effective development use.
ChatGPT’s weekly active users reached 700 million this week, up from 300 million in December and four times higher than last year.
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