• Source:JND

After recently unveiling its upgraded Sora 2 video generation model and a TikTok-style AI video app, OpenAI is now shifting its focus back to ChatGPT, aiming to transform it from a conversational AI tool into a complete communication platform.

According to early leaks, OpenAI is testing new group chat and direct messaging (DM) features, signalling the company’s ambition to make ChatGPT an “everything ”app”—one that combines productivity, creativity, and collaboration in a single interface.

ChatGPT Group Chat: A First Look

The new update was first spotted by Tibor Blaho, Lead Engineer at AIPRM, who shared an exclusive preview of the ChatGPT group chat interface on X (formerly Twitter).

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Images show that ChatGPT's web version now features a "Start a Group Chat" button, enabling users to easily create invite links and invite others who can then seamlessly join the conversation.

Group participants, unlike individuals in traditional one-on-one sessions, will reportedly be able to see prior messages within the thread, providing continuity in discussions – much like messaging platforms such as Slack or Discord.

Customisation and Privacy Controls

Blaho also revealed that group chat settings and custom instructions will remain separate from personal ChatGPT preferences.

This means users will be able to:

- Choose how the AI responds — automatically or only when tagged.

- Keep their personal ChatGPT memory isolated from group conversations.

- Maintain individual control over interaction style and tone, even within shared environments.

This separation ensures that group collaborations don’t interfere with users’ existing personalisations or memory data.

Features in Testing: Collaboration Meets Conversation

Early previews suggest that OpenAI’s group chat feature will include several interactive and collaborative tools, such as:

- Reply threads for better context management.

- Message reactions for quick feedback.

- Typing indicators to show real-time activity.

- File uploads for sharing documents and resources.

- Image creation tools integrated into group conversations.

- Built-in online search, likely powered by ChatGPT’s browsing capabilities.

OpenAI appears to be positioning ChatGPT not only as a chatbot but as an AI-assisted collaboration space where teams can come together and generate ideas together with AI support.

The Bigger Picture: From Chatbot to Collaboration Hub

OpenAI's vision of expanding ChatGPT as an all-encompassing productivity platform was previously made apparent when they unveiled Shared Projects as a feature that allowed users to collaborate on tasks across teams and departments.

- Upload and manage files collectively.

- Maintain long-form discussions.

- Work collaboratively in “chat” or “edit” modes — similar to how Google Docs supports real-time teamwork.

ChatGPT could soon become a hub for team collaboration, brainstorming sessions and live AI-assisted discussions.

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What to Expect Next

OpenAI has yet to officially confirm their launch timeline; however, reports indicate that group chat and direct message (DM) testing has begun internally and with select beta users. Group Chat/DMs should launch gradually as part of ChatGPT Plus/Team subscription plans in coming weeks.

A Glimpse Into ChatGPT’s Future

ChatGPT has evolved far beyond its question-answer roots since its debut. Now with group collaboration tools, real-time communication features, and shared memory control features added, OpenAI sees ChatGPT as a hybrid platform combining messaging, productivity, and creativity into one unified AI-powered experience.

If these features perform as anticipated, ChatGPT could become an all-in-one platform for AI-assisted communication and collaboration – challenging apps such as Slack, Notion, or Discord for dominance in this space.

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