Introducing the OpenAI Engineer Driven by ChatGPT’s Most Significant Evolution

In his new position as head of OpenAI’s core product, Sottiaux is responsible for considering the needs of the average user regarding AI—not just prioritizing his fellow engineers.

Super App or Super Hype?

I anticipate that OpenAI’s super app will function as a digital assistant equipped with advanced memory features. It may handle tasks such as making dinner reservations, while also reminding users to avoid certain menu items that might trigger allergies or cause discomfort based on previous experiences. Furthermore, it could streamline work processes by automating tasks like filing expense reports ahead of deadlines.

According to Sottiaux, the underlying technology of the super app will primarily rely on Codex, which has already been gaining traction among nontechnical users. To accomplish tasks, the agent may write code, execute API calls, or browse the internet, yet users will only interact through natural language queries—or so the design intends.

Sottiaux explains that developing the super app mainly involves transforming Codex into a generalized agent and integrating it with ChatGPT. Despite OpenAI discontinuing some projects, he notes that this initiative has received more resources, although the core team remains fairly small. He refrained from disclosing the current team size but mentioned that his Codex team comprised around 40 members two months ago.

This is not OpenAI’s first endeavor to make ChatGPT act as an agent. Last year, the company introduced Operator, a function within ChatGPT aimed at browsing the web on behalf of users. This evolved into ChatGPT Agent, but neither version gained substantial adoption. Sottiaux asserts that those early projects were “too early”—the models behind them lacked reliability, leading OpenAI to impose significant usage restrictions. Now, he believes the necessary technology is available.

Another challenge faced by OpenAI’s previous agents was that consumers were uncertain about how to utilize them. While software engineers have adeptly leveraged these agents for diverse tasks, effectively training users to engage with ChatGPT in new ways will likely be a key hurdle for Sottiaux.

“We need to guide the user. Initially, it could be a small task that we assist you with, gradually building confidence that ChatGPT can handle more complex tasks,” Sottiaux states. “Eventually, you might start sharing these new capabilities with your peers, friends, and family. The model in ChatGPT will also act as a mentor in this process.”

While Sottiaux would not specify a launch date for the super app, he did mention it would arrive “soon.” He pointed out that “much of what will be made available to everyone in ChatGPT is already present in the Codex app,” and OpenAI plans to integrate Codex into ChatGPT in the coming weeks. He also emphasized that OpenAI prefers to implement a series of smaller releases to gather feedback along the way, especially given the fast-paced evolution of the AI sector, where a major launch might risk errors.

Not Like the Others

For years, hundreds of millions in China and other nations have relied on super apps for comprehensive online functionality. OpenAI’s concept, however, is somewhat different, partly due to lack of alternatives.

WeChat and Alipay became essential by establishing the financial and informational infrastructure on which modern China is built. Conversely, countries like the US already have established systems—such as Gmail, Instagram, credit cards, and Venmo. Consequently, OpenAI’s super app will likely need to find ways to integrate with these existing services.