Use Your Computer and Browser

By OpenAI

Categories: AI, Product

Summary

ChatGPT Work introduces Computer Use and Chrome Use features that let AI automate desktop and browser tasks without plugins, handling tedious workflows while keeping humans in control of critical decisions—available only in the Work tab with desktop app.

Key Takeaways

  1. Three-tier automation strategy: use plugins for direct tool routes, Computer Use for desktop apps, Chrome Use for browser-based work—choose based on where the task actually lives.
  2. Chrome Use and plugins work together synergistically—ChatGPT can use browser automation for tools without plugins while simultaneously leveraging native integrations like Google Calendar for seamless multi-system workflows.
  3. Permission gates at task start and appshot context capture (Command+Command) allow users to monitor AI actions in real-time, maintaining human oversight over desktop/browser automation without manual micromanagement.
  4. Background execution capability lets users keep working while ChatGPT handles tedious steps—critical for productivity since users can watch, take over, or stop automation anytime without interruption.
  5. Human-in-the-loop architecture stops AI before final submissions—ChatGPT prepares PTO requests and calendar events but requires explicit user approval before creating system changes, preventing unintended consequences.

Related topics

Transcript Excerpt

ChatGPT Work can use the tools you already use for plugins. But some tools don't have a plugin. Others live in a desktop app or a website where I've already signed in. And that's where Computer use and Chrome use come in. They're only available in the Work tab with a ChatGPT desktop app, not in regular ChatGPT, on the web, or on your phone. Computer use lets ChatGPT use desktop apps just like you do. You can click, type, and move between apps and windows. Chrome uses is the same thing in your browser, using websites where you're already signed in. And both can work in the background so you can keep using your computer. Before accessing an app or website, ChatGPT asks for permission. You can allow it once or let it remember your choice for next time. I'm using dictation here, so I can say w…

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