In 2024, OpenAI took ChatGPT to a whole new level. From smarter AI models to the ability to call ChatGPT via phone number and new desktop apps, here are all the key ChatGPT features announced in 2024.
Table of Contents
1. GPT-4o
Upgrading from GPT-4 Turbo, OpenAI introduced GPT-4o (o for omni) on May 13, 2024. This is OpenAI’s first multi-modal model, meaning it can work with text, images, and audio simultaneously. While performance improvements and reasoning skills are only a few percentage points higher, this new 4o model is twice as fast compared to the GPT-4 Turbo.
In July 2024, OpenAI released GPT-4o Mini, a smaller and more cost-effective version, replacing GPT-3.5 Turbo in the ChatGPT interface.
2. OpenAI o1
OpenAI introduced o1-preview on September 12, 2024, its first reasoning model. Unlike previous models, o1-preview is designed to spend more time “thinking” before responding, enabling it to tackle complex tasks in PhD-level science, coding, and mathematics with greater accuracy.
In December 2024, OpenAI released the full version of o1, further improving its reasoning abilities and introducing features like image processing.
3. Advanced Voice Mode
On September 25, Advanced Voice Mode was introduced, improving upon the Standard Voice Mode. This feature allows users to speak directly to ChatGPT and receive natural and human-like audio responses, making interactions more seamless. Advanced Voice Mode can also understand accents and even interpret user emotions through tone.
Later in December, OpenAI also released the AVM with a Video option. This enables ChatGPT to see and talk to users. It can even answer questions based on what it is seeing through the video.
4. Memory
OpenAI introduced the Memory feature for ChatGPT in February 2024. This allows ChatGPT to remember information from chats and use it in future conversations. For example, if you mention that you prefer vegetarian food, it will later suggest vegetarian restaurants automatically when you ask for recommendations for a date night.
Users also have the option to manage information in Memory, including updating specific details or deleting stored data. Initially available only to a limited group, the feature was expanded to all ChatGPT users, including Free, Plus, Team, and Enterprise, by September 2024.
5. Temporary Chat
All your chats will be used to train OpenAI models to get better. Also, all your chats use custom instructions and memory information to personalize the answer specific to you. If you prefer to have a private conversation that’s not personalized or sends info to OpenAI, Temporary Chat is here for you.
Launched in June 2024, it’s like Incognito mode for your ChatGPT conversations. Note that for safety purposes, OpenAI may retain a copy of the conversation for up to 30 days.
6. Desktop App for macOS and Windows
OpenAI expanded ChatGPT’s accessibility by launching desktop applications for macOS and Windows in 2024. The macOS app debuted in May, offering quick access to ChatGPT with a simple keyboard shortcut and supporting voice interactions.
In October, OpenAI released an early version of the Windows desktop app. Initially available only to paid subscribers, OpenAI expanded it to all users in November.
7. Canvas
OpenAI introduced Canvas in October 2024 for writing and coding tasks. It provides a side-by-side interface, giving generated text or code a prominent place. Users can also edit code or text side-by-side with AI in a two-pane window, and ChatGPT will understand the context of the entire project, enabling better suggestions and edits.
Initially available in beta for ChatGPT Plus and Team users, Canvas was rolled out to all users, including those on the free tier, by December 2024. It was also refined with updates like the ability to run Python code, working with Custom GPTs, etc.
Also Read:
- I Tried ChatGPT Canvas for a Month – Here’s What I Found
- ChatGPT Canvas vs Claude Artifacts: Which One Is Better for You?
8. Search
OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Search in October 2024. Until then, ChatGPT couldn’t work with real-time information and often provided outdated or inaccurate data. With the Search feature, ChatGPT can now search the web to provide more accurate answers. With this, OpenAI wants to take on traditional search engines like Google Search.
This feature lets users receive current data, such as news updates and stock quotes, directly within ChatGPT interactions. Initially available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, OpenAI expanded access to all users, including those on the free tier, by December 2024.
9. Projects
OpenAI introduced the Projects feature for ChatGPT on December 13, 2024, during their 12 Days of OpenAI event. This feature allows users to organize chats into projects, similar to saving files in folders. Users can also upload files and provide custom instructions specific to each project.
Currently available only to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team users, OpenAI plans to extend this functionality to Enterprise and Education accounts in January 2025, with future availability for free-tier users.
10. GPT Store
Custom GPTs were introduced in 2023, allowing users to customize ChatGPT for specific tasks. In January 2024, OpenAI launched the GPT Store, providing a platform for users to share and even monetize their custom GPTs.
By May 2024, access to the GPT Store was extended to all ChatGPT users, including those on the free tier. However, most users still prefer creating their own custom GPTs rather than relying on those available in the store.
11. Sora
OpenAI’s text-to-video generator, Sora, was announced in February 2024 and later released to the public in December 2024 as part of the 12 Days of OpenAI campaign. It can generate 1080p, and 60 seconds videos from a single text prompt and is available for ChatGPT Plus and Pro users. However, right now, Sora generates only 20-second videos and you are capped at 50 videos per month.
Unlike other features mentioned here, Sora has its own website and interface. However, ChatGPT includes a shortcut to Sora, and any ChatGPT subscription will grant access to it. Yes, it is not free.
Also Read: How to Access Sora: OpenAI’s Latest AI Video Generator
12. Call or WhatsApp ChatGPT
In December 2024, OpenAI launched a toll-free number, 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478). Users in the United States can save this number in their contacts and call it to talk to ChatGPT. Currently, the service offers up to 15 minutes of usage per month, with plans for future expansion. It received mixed reactions since you can’t really generate anything or access the web like using the app or site.
For users outside the U.S., ChatGPT is accessible via WhatsApp by sending a text message to the same number. However, it currently supports only text messages—you cannot voice or video call ChatGPT or upload files to the chat.
Key ChatGPT Features Announced in 2024
The features highlighted above are just some of the major updates OpenAI introduced in 2024. Additional features, such as Apple Intelligence integration and Work with Apps functionality on desktop apps, further improved ChatGPT’s reach and userbase. Here’s everything ChatGPT announced/released in 2024.
