OpenAI is overhauling ChatGPT to transform it into a personalized AI agent capable of handling tasks across personal and professional life. The company has dubbed this new platform a 'super app,' marking one of its most significant bets yet. Thibault Sottiaux, OpenAI’s head of core products, is now responsible for integrating ChatGPT and Codex into this unified system. Sottiaux, who previously led the development of Codex, now faces the challenge of reimagining a consumer product with nearly a billion weekly active users. He described the project as 'incredibly exciting and mildly terrifying.'
Sottiaux emphasized that the super app will be powered by Codex, which has become one of OpenAI’s fastest-growing revenue streams. The platform aims to provide users with a 'world’s best personal agent' that understands human needs and acts proactively. OpenAI plans to merge Codex into ChatGPT in the coming weeks, with a focus on incremental releases to gather feedback. Sottiaux noted that the AI space moves too fast for large-scale launches, so OpenAI will prioritize smaller, iterative updates.
The project faces challenges, including past failed attempts with tools like Operator and ChatGPT Agent, which were limited by unreliable models. Sottiaux acknowledged that previous efforts were 'too early' and that the current technology is more mature. He also highlighted the difficulty of teaching consumers how to use AI agents effectively, noting that users will need to build confidence in ChatGPT’s capabilities over time. OpenAI is also working to integrate its tools with existing systems like email, Slack, and Visa, aiming to create a seamless experience for users. 'We have to bring the user along,' Sottiaux said. 'Initially, maybe it’s a small thing that we can do for you, and then increasingly, build confidence that ChatGPT can do bigger and bigger things.'
Source: wired
