Observed Signal · Sep 4, 2025 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
OpenAI Projects Now Free for ChatGPT Users
OpenAI’s Projects, a feature within ChatGPT that clusters chats by topic and context, is now available to Free users, according to OnlineMarketing.de. The piece notes that Projects launched at the end of 2024, with mid‑2025 updates including Deep Research, Voice Mode Support, mobile file uploads, a Model Picker, and improved memory contexts. The rollout extends access to non‑paying users, and per‑project upload limits have been expanded (Free: up to 5 documents; Plus/Pro/Business/Enterprise higher limits). Additional improvements include color and icon customization and project‑level memory controls. Access is initially via the web and Windows desktop app, with Android rollout already in place and iOS coming later. Initially limited to Plus, Pro, and Team; Edu and Enterprise access is expected in January, followed by Free users. Projects also work with ChatGPT Search and Canvas and can host user files and notes for later recall.
Expansion of a major platform feature to Free users; notable upgrades and broader accessibility.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- OpenAI's Projects are now available to Free ChatGPT users.
- Per-project upload limits: Free up to 5 documents; higher limits for Plus/Pro/Business/Enterprise.
- Projects support color and icon customization and project memory controls.
- Initial access via web and Windows Desktop App; Android rollout completed; iOS planned for later.
- Edu and Enterprise access expected in January; Free users soon thereafter.
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ChatGPT Group Chats Roll Out Worldwide
OpenAI is rolling out group chats for ChatGPT to enable collaboration within a single conversation thread, separated from users’ private chats. The pilot starts in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan and will be accessible on Web and mobile to Free, Go, Plus, and Pro users with the latest apps. Groups can be named, invite up to 20 participants via a link, and participants must set up profiles (name, photo, username). ChatGPT can join groups by being mentioned to provide information or inspiration, while the AI can also act passively when appropriate. Custom Instructions let groups tailor responses. Group chats use the GPT-5.1 Auto model, offering Instant or Thinking modes, emoji reactions, and the ability to reference user profile pictures or include documents. OpenAI notes broader regional expansion and mentions an upcoming Figma integration for Business/Enterprise/Edu plans; parental controls block content for under-18s, and group chats appear in a separate sidebar tab.
OpenAI launches ChatGPT Work powered by GPT-5.6
OpenAI announced ChatGPT Work, an agentic workflow capability inside ChatGPT that can gather context across connected apps, break multi-step projects into sub-tasks, and create finished materials like slides, sheets, docs and web apps. ChatGPT Work is powered by OpenAI’s latest model, GPT‑5.6, and includes features such as Scheduled Tasks, a unified plugins directory, a Sites beta for interactive web apps, and a desktop app with a built-in browser and Computer Use to operate local apps. The Codex app is merging into the new ChatGPT desktop app. OpenAI says enterprise governance controls, a Compliance API and an auto-review layer support security and oversight. The rollout begins for Pro, Enterprise and Edu users with broader availability to other paid tiers and cross-platform desktop downloads available globally.
Fired OpenAI Researchers Dispute Misconduct Claims, Warn of Chilling Effect
Three OpenAI safety researchers, Jasmine Wang, Tomek Korbak, and Mikita Balesni, who were fired last week, have published an open letter denying allegations of mishandling sensitive information. They warn that their dismissal creates a chilling effect that stifles AI safety work and open dialogue within the company. The researchers say they acted in good faith and within company norms, and that the reasons for their firing are unclear. They urge OpenAI to uphold its commitments to third-party safety auditors and maintain a transparent culture. OpenAI responded with an internal memo denying retaliation and stating that employees are not terminated for raising concerns, but did not address specific policy violations or circumstances of the dismissal. The dispute highlights tensions between internal safety research and company communication policies at a time when OpenAI faces scrutiny over safety incidents.
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