OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Work, Echoing Anthropic's Claude Cowork

OpenAI announced a major update called ChatGPT Work , which extends the regular ChatGPT chat UI with agent‑driven, multi‑step task execution. Users can provide a goal, and the system automatically decomposes the goal, calls appropriate tools, and delivers a finished product.

How does it differ from Codex?

While Codex has long served developers as a terminal‑style agent used by millions each week, ChatGPT Work embeds the same capability into the standard ChatGPT interface and targets non‑technical users. In other words, Codex is a developer‑focused terminal, whereas Work is a GUI for everyone, requiring no prompt templates—just a natural request like “help me create a monthly budget analysis.”

“‘It can work for several hours if needed’ sounds exaggerated 😂. By the third hour it’s probably still asking you to confirm the second step 💀.”

The article notes that agent reliability remains a pain point. OpenAI claims “you stay in control,” but in practice users may still need to monitor the agent to prevent drift.

Desktop app becomes the main battlefield

The most tangible improvement is the desktop application, which now includes a built‑in browser, direct file access, Google Docs integration, and the “Computer Use” feature that simulates mouse and keyboard actions. The existing Codex app is merged into the ChatGPT desktop client, so existing users receive the new functionality via an update.

The plugin ecosystem has also been expanded to over 1,400 plugins, supporting services such as Google Drive, Slack, and Salesforce. Users can invoke a specific plugin by typing “@” followed by the application name to pull context directly.

Not the first, but possibly the best

Anthropic’s Claude already offers a “Cowork” mode with similar capabilities. Some users feel the experience is reminiscent of Claude’s chat/cowork/code mode and criticize the lack of originality.

“It feels like Claude Chat/Cowork/Code, and it’s the worst kind of déjà vu. Can we get something original instead of just copying Anthropic?”

Although not a breakthrough in novelty, OpenAI’s move resembles a rabbit in a tortoise‑and‑hare race, scrambling to catch up. ChatGPT Work marks a key transition from “conversational AI” to “execution‑focused AI,” bringing agent abilities from a developer‑centric niche into everyday office workflows. The massive existing user base could amplify this advantage.

For workers who spend hours shuffling data between Excel and PowerPoint, Work may save several hours. However, expectations should be tempered; the system is not yet the flawless “Jarvis‑like” assistant portrayed in movies.