The ChatGPT desktop app can be confusing, with Chat and Work tabs within its ChatGPT section and a separate Codex section. OpenAI said the merger will allow users to move between exploring an idea and having ChatGPT carry it through in one place, with the ability to bring files and plugins and ask ChatGPT to build websites or presentations. Codex will remain separate. The company said the change won’t impact most users, though, based on usage and model, some might need to wait for resets more frequently. Rival Anthropic merged Claude’s chat and Cowork functions into a single screen in September.
OpenAI merging Chat and Work tabs in ChatGPT desktop app
Merge aims to simplify user interface; initially available to select users for feedback
OpenAI plans to merge the Chat and Work tabs in the ChatGPT desktop application, according to an email sent to users. The change will initially be offered to a select group for feedback before a wider rollout.
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Analysis
Why This Matters
- Streamlines user experience, reducing confusion.
- Token pooling change could affect heavy users.
- Competitive pressure: Anthropic already simplified its interface.
Background
OpenAI's ChatGPT desktop app currently has multiple workspace sections. The company is now consolidating the Chat and Work tabs. Anthropic, a competitor, merged similar functions in September.
What to Watch
- The feedback period and when the change rolls out to all users.
- Any user complaints about token pooling.
- Whether further interface simplifications follow.
Sources
Checked
10 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 10 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedOpenAI is merging the Chat and Work tabs in the ChatGPT desktop app.TechCrunch: “OpenAI is now gearing up to merge the Chat and Work tabs within the ChatGPT experience”
- SupportedThe merger aims to simplify the user interface.TechCrunch: “In an apparent effort to address this, OpenAI is now gearing up to merge the Chat and Work tabs”
- SupportedOpenAI’s plan was described in an email sent to users.TechCrunch: “according to an email sent to users”
- SupportedThe change will initially be available to select users for feedback before a wider rollout.TechCrunch: “initially, this experience will be available to select users for feedback before it is rolled out widely.”
- SupportedThe ChatGPT desktop app has Chat and Work tabs within its ChatGPT section, as well as a separate Codex section.TechCrunch: “there are ChatGPT and Codex sections, and within the former, there are Chat and Work tabs.”
- SupportedOpenAI said the merged experience would let users move from exploring an idea to having ChatGPT carry it through in one place.TechCrunch: “This will enable you to move from exploring an idea to having ChatGPT carry it through, all in one place.”
- SupportedOpenAI said users could bring in files and plugins and ask ChatGPT to build websites or create presentations.TechCrunch: “You can bring in your files and plugins and ask ChatGPT to build a website, create a presentation”
- SupportedCodex will remain a separate experience in the ChatGPT desktop app.TechCrunch: “Codex will remain a separate experience in the ChatGPT desktop app”
- SupportedOpenAI said the change will not affect most users, though some may need to wait for resets more frequently depending on usage and model.TechCrunch: “It said this change won’t impact most users, but based on usage and model, some folks might need to wait for resets more frequently.”
- SupportedAnthropic merged Claude’s chat and Cowork functions into one screen in September.TechCrunch: “Rival Anthropic merged Claude’s chat and Cowork functions into one screen in September.”