OPENAI EXPANDS CHATGPT EXTENSION TO READ AND MANAGE CHROME TABS

OpenAI says it has upgraded its ChatGPT extension to use information from open Google Chrome tabs and carry out browser tasks. Users can ask ChatGPT to view those tabs by tagging Chrome in ChatGPT’s web or desktop app, according to the company. OpenAI demonstrated the feature by asking ChatGPT to compare sofas across three open tabs. The company says users can request comparisons covering dimensions, prices, delivery times and return policies.

OpenAI says ChatGPT Work, its agent for complex tasks involving several steps, can send messages, complete forms, download files and organise or group tabs. Its examples include comparing contractors’ services and drafting an email to the provider matching a user’s requirements. Another suggested task involves completing a dentist’s form and adding the appointment to work and personal calendars. One OpenAI sample instruction specifies a limit on the action: “Use the details in this event brief to fill out the registration form, and stop before submitting.”

OpenAI also says the updated Chrome sidebar provides access to users’ entire ChatGPT conversation history. Users can ask questions in Chat or assign tasks in Work while keeping the page they are viewing open, the company says. The extension updates follow OpenAI’s retirement of its ChatGPT Atlas browser on 9 August. OpenAI says users can get the extension regardless of their subscription plan, with compatibility extending to other Chromium-based browsers, including Microsoft Edge, Brave and Opera.