OpenAI Unveils Game-Changing Feature: Computer History for ChatGPT on macOS
What is Computer History?
OpenAI has launched a groundbreaking feature called Computer History in the ChatGPT desktop app for macOS. This opt-in functionality records user interactions across various apps and websites, transforming them into memories and a searchable timeline accessible by both ChatGPT and Codex. First introduced in the product changelog on August 13, 2026, Computer History is currently rolling out to ChatGPT Pro, Business, and Enterprise users, with more widespread access in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the UK anticipated soon.
Enabling Computer History: How It Works
Initially disabled by default, Pro users can activate Computer History within their settings. For Business and Enterprise users, an administrator must first grant access, after which individual team members can opt in. This feature leverages ChatGPT’s Memories system and does not function via API keys or through Amazon Bedrock.
The Evolution from Chronicle to Computer History
Computer History is a refined iteration of Chronicle, an earlier research preview that utilized screen captures. Instead, this new feature captures interaction events through macOS accessibility features, such as clicks, typing, keyboard shortcuts, and app switches, making it more efficient and user-friendly.
Understanding How Computer History Functions
According to OpenAI’s documentation, the app builds an interaction-event stream from authorized apps and websites. Periodically, it initiates a temporary Codex session that summarizes the stream into text summaries and local memory files. These memories are stored as plain-text Markdown files on the user’s device, located in the Codex memories directory, allowing users to read and edit them directly.
Accessing and Utilizing Your Memories
Users can view their memories in two main areas: a timeline in Settings that categorizes activities by day and time, and during conversations where ChatGPT and Codex reference recent activities. For example, the system can pinpoint prior work tasks or retrieve previously viewed documents, significantly enhancing user experience.
Transforming Workflows into Automated Skills
A crucial aspect of Computer History is its ability to recognize repetitive tasks in user activities, proposing automated solutions for workflows observed. For instance, the system can create daily recap automation based on a user’s consistent summarization routine.
Privacy Considerations and Data Handling
OpenAI has ensured that Computer History maintains a high level of privacy. The feature does not capture screenshots, screen recordings, or microphone inputs, and private browsing sessions are excluded. The raw event stream is temporarily stored in an isolated container on the Mac, processed by OpenAI, and deleted after 48 hours—unless legally required otherwise.
User Control and Limitations
While the memories are accessible, they are not encrypted and could be read by other programs on the same macOS user account. OpenAI advises users to secure their Mac accounts and exclude any sensitive applications. Users can also manage what is recorded, including pausing collection, excluding specific apps, or deleting history as needed.
Future Rollout and Development Plans
Access for users in the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK will be phased in over the upcoming weeks. In Business and Enterprise environments, administrators will regulate access through dedicated settings, ensuring controlled and secure implementation.
The Bigger Picture: Enhancing Memory Architecture
The introduction of Computer History enriches OpenAI’s evolving memory architecture across ChatGPT and Codex. From saved memories to the innovative Record & Replay feature, Computer History completes a cohesive system that not only recognizes user actions but also proposes automation strategies, heralding a new era of user-agent interaction.
OpenAI has recently launched ChatGPT Atlas, a web browser for macOS that integrates conversational AI directly into the browsing experience. Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this new development:
1. What is ChatGPT Atlas?
ChatGPT Atlas is a web browser developed by OpenAI for macOS, designed to embed conversational AI directly into the browsing experience. It combines standard browser features—such as tabs, bookmarks, extensions, and incognito mode—with a persistent ChatGPT sidebar that assists users based on the current webpage. (unite.ai)
2. How does the ChatGPT sidebar function?
The ChatGPT sidebar provides real-time assistance tailored to the content of the current webpage. Users can open a new tab to enter a URL or prompt ChatGPT directly, and then filter results by links, images, videos, or news. Additionally, in-line writing support works within any text field, and natural language commands like "clean up my tabs" or "re-open shoes I looked at yesterday" execute browser actions without manual clicks. (unite.ai)
3. What is the browser memory feature?
The browser memory is an opt-in feature that allows ChatGPT to recall previously explored pages or topics. This personalization enables the system to suggest follow-ups or automate repetitive tasks based on past behavior. Users have full control over these memories and can review, edit, or delete them at any time through a dedicated settings panel. All contextual support and data retention remain optional, with users able to turn off memory features entirely from privacy controls. (unite.ai)
4. What is the Agent Mode in ChatGPT Atlas?
Agent Mode is a feature available to Plus, Pro, and Business users that allows ChatGPT to perform multi-step tasks such as research, travel planning, booking reservations, filling out forms, and completing workflows. This capability operates with stricter safeguards, visible on-screen affordances, and a prominent stop button to ensure user control and safety. (unite.ai)
5. How does ChatGPT Atlas enhance user privacy?
ChatGPT Atlas emphasizes user privacy by providing full control over data and an incognito mode that prevents saving. Users can manage their privacy settings through a dedicated panel, ensuring that they can enable or disable features like memory and contextual support according to their preferences. (unite.ai)
For more detailed information, you can refer to the original article on Unite.AI. (unite.ai)
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