ChatGPT Mac: OpenAI's New "Computer History" Feature

OpenAI has launched a new feature called Computer History for the ChatGPT macOS app. This capability allows ChatGPT to retain not only past conversations but also a user’s activity within chosen applications and websites. Here's the thing: this feature tracks user interactions like clicks and keystrokes. While OpenAI describes it as a productivity tool, some are comparing it to Microsoft’s controversial Windows Recall feature. What's interesting is that Computer History is an optional feature that creates a timeline of a user’s activity across selected applications and websites. OpenAI states both ChatGPT and Codex can use this timeline to understand a user’s work and provide appropriate answers. For example, if you spent the morning editing a document and responding to emails, you could ask ChatGPT for a work summary based on those activities. OpenAI says this development aims to help ChatGPT behave as a real-life assistant and minimize repetitive explanations. The company claims Computer History does not capture screenshots, screen recordings, or audio. Instead, it tracks interaction events using macOS accessibility functions, including actions like clicks and typing. The bottom line is that this feature is off by default, and users can exclude specific apps and websites from tracking, or delete individual entries. This could significantly change how you interact with AI tools.