ChatGPT expands with new image, messaging and task features

OpenAI is pushing ChatGPT beyond the role of a tool that waits for questions and answers them. Its latest updates point toward a digital assistant that can take part more directly in users’ everyday tasks and work with their applications.

One update adds support for creating images with transparent backgrounds through the GPT-Image-2 model. Designers, developers and content creators can use the feature to produce logos, icons, product images and other graphic elements without manually removing the background first. The resulting visuals can be placed more readily into websites, advertisements, presentations and social media posts.

ChatGPT can also work with Apple’s Messages application on Mac computers. After receiving the necessary permissions, the assistant can access, search and read conversations, including iMessage, SMS and RCS messages. It can help prepare and send messages, reducing the need to copy and paste long conversations into ChatGPT for analysis or assistance.

The user still makes the final decision about sending a message. By default, ChatGPT requires approval of both the wording and the recipients before sending it. The feature is available through the ChatGPT desktop application on Mac and can be used with ChatGPT Work and Codex.

The third update concerns scheduled tasks. Users can instruct ChatGPT to perform a task at a specific time in the future or repeat it according to a timetable. Possible uses include monitoring a subject and preparing regular updates, producing a summary at a set time or reminding the user about a later task. The assistant’s role therefore extends beyond the moment of direct interaction and into tasks it has been assigned to carry out later.