ChatGPT Gets a New Feature That Anticipates What Users Want

OpenAI introduced a new feature for ChatGPT on Friday that aims to transform the chatbot from a reactive question-answering tool into a proactive digital assistant.

The feature, called Pulse, creates personalized daily briefings by analyzing users' chat histories, interests and data from connected applications like Gmail and Google Calendar. It is initially available only to ChatGPT Pro subscribers.

Sam Altman, OpenAI's chief executive, announced the feature on X, calling it his favorite addition to ChatGPT. The tool represents what he described as a shift from reactive use toward a more anticipatory assistant that can track goals and provide tailored suggestions.

A Morning Briefing From AI

Pulse works by processing user data overnight to generate visual update cards that appear each morning. The system draws from conversation memory, chat history and user feedback to create suggestions that can range from project reminders to dinner recommendations or highlights of upcoming events.

Users can provide feedback to improve future recommendations or dismiss suggestions they find irrelevant. The feature includes optional integrations with email and calendar applications, though these connections are turned off by default and can be controlled through app settings.

OpenAI said all updates go through safety checks, but acknowledged that Pulse may sometimes present information that is not relevant to users. The daily briefings refresh automatically unless users choose to save specific updates.

The launch comes as OpenAI has been expanding its global research team. The company has recruited researchers from various countries, including specialists in reinforcement learning and AI optimization, as part of its effort to strengthen its technical capabilities.

For users, Pulse signals a step toward AI assistants that anticipate rather than simply respond. Competitors are moving in parallel but with different priorities: Perplexity AI emphasizes real-time, source-backed answers; DeepSeek focuses on privacy and efficiency through on-device performance; and Gemini integrates deeply with Google’s productivity apps. 

OpenAI is positioning Pulse as the most proactive of the group, blending conversational memory with curated updates to redefine the role of digital assistants in the age of generative AI.