OpenAI brings ChatGPT deeper into work tools, voice and browser workflows

OpenAI has outlined a set of updates that expand ChatGPT’s role across everyday work tools, personalised responses, voice applications and browser-based coding workflows.

The updates include GPT-5.5 Instant as the new default ChatGPT model, ChatGPT for Excel and Google Sheets, three new realtime voice models in the API, a Codex Chrome extension and Trusted Contact, an optional ChatGPT safety feature for eligible users.

A more personalised ChatGPT default

GPT-5.5 Instant is replacing GPT-5.3 Instant as ChatGPT’s default model. OpenAI said the model is designed to deliver smarter, clearer and more personalised responses, with stronger use of context users have already shared when personalisation is useful.

The company cited internal evaluations showing GPT-5.5 Instant produced 52.5% fewer hallucinated claims than GPT-5.3 Instant on high-stakes prompts covering areas such as medicine, law and finance. It also reduced inaccurate claims by 37.3% on challenging conversations that users had flagged for factual errors.

The model update also improves performance across image analysis, STEM-related questions and decisions on when web search is needed. OpenAI said responses are intended to be more concise without losing substance, while reducing unnecessary follow-up questions and clutter.

Personalisation is also becoming more visible to users. OpenAI is introducing memory sources across ChatGPT models, allowing users to see some of the context used to personalise responses, such as saved memories or past chats. Users can delete or correct information that is outdated or irrelevant.

GPT-5.5 Instant is rolling out to all ChatGPT users and in the API as chat-latest. For paid users, GPT-5.3 Instant will remain available for three months through model configuration settings before being retired. Enhanced personalisation from past chats, files and connected Gmail is rolling out to Plus and Pro users on the web, with mobile access and wider plan availability to follow.

ChatGPT moves into work tools

OpenAI is also expanding ChatGPT into spreadsheets through ChatGPT for Excel and Google Sheets. The feature is available globally across ChatGPT Business, Enterprise, Edu, Teachers and K-12 users, as well as Free, Go, Pro and Plus users.

The integration allows users to create, analyse and update spreadsheets using plain language. OpenAI described use cases including financial models, survey analysis, project trackers, recurring reports and personal expense tracking.

ChatGPT can explain formulas, identify errors, summarise trends across tabs and update tables based on new assumptions. The feature also links answers to referenced cells, preserves formulas and formatting, and asks for permission before making changes.

For teams, the practical use case is less about replacing spreadsheet work than reducing manual effort around recurring analysis, reporting and data clean-up. The value will depend on how clearly users can verify changes, especially where spreadsheets support financial decisions, KPI packs or operational reporting.

Voice, browser agents and safety features expand the product surface

OpenAI has introduced GPT-Realtime-2, GPT-Realtime-Translate and GPT-Realtime-Whisper in the Realtime API, giving developers new options for voice applications.

GPT-Realtime-2 is OpenAI’s first voice model with GPT-5-class reasoning. It is built for live voice interactions where the model can continue a conversation while reasoning through requests, calling tools, handling corrections and adjusting its tone. The context window has increased from 32K to 128K, supporting longer sessions and more complex task flows.

GPT-Realtime-Translate supports speech translation from more than 70 input languages into 13 output languages. GPT-Realtime-Whisper provides low-latency streaming speech-to-text, allowing live transcription while a person speaks. OpenAI is positioning the models for customer support, travel, education, events, media and other applications where voice interfaces need to handle tasks in real time.

The company has also introduced a Codex Chrome extension, extending the coding agent into browser-based workflows. The update allows Codex to work across browser environments and logged-in sites, rather than remaining limited to standalone coding tasks.

Trusted Contact adds a different layer to the update cycle. The optional safety feature allows eligible users to nominate someone they trust. If OpenAI’s automated systems and trained reviewers detect a serious safety concern, the nominated contact may receive a limited notification encouraging them to check in. OpenAI said the notification does not include chat details or transcripts.

Trusted Contact sits alongside existing safeguards such as crisis resources, emergency support prompts and parental controls safety notifications for linked teen accounts. Users can remove or edit their Trusted Contact in settings, while the nominated contact can also remove themselves.