Pulse in ChatGPT: Personalized Updates Every Morning
OpenAI has just launched a new feature called ChatGPT Pulse, which is available in the ChatGPT mobile app. The feature works by automatically generating personalized morning briefings overnight while users sleep. Initially, it is available exclusively to Pro subscribers, who pay $200 per month (CZK 4,160). Pulse creates 5 to 10 cards with information based on conversation history, user feedback, or connected data from Gmail and Google Calendar. These cards can include calendar event summaries, travel tips, or training ideas, such as preparing for a triathlon.
The feature is designed to transform ChatGPT from a reactive tool, where users have to ask questions, into a proactive assistant that provides useful information on its own. OpenAI emphasizes that Pulse is the first in a series of resource-intensive features that will be tested with Pro users and later expanded to Plus subscribers. Pulse is currently available in preview only on iOS and Android mobile devices and is being rolled out gradually.
How Does Pulse Personalize Content?
Users can shape future briefings through direct requests or simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down feedback. Updates refresh daily unless the user saves them. OpenAI designed Pulse to end after a few cards with the message "that's all for today," which is intended to prevent endless browsing and encourage healthy habits. For example, if a user connects their Gmail and Google Calendar (which is optional and can be disabled at any time), Pulse can suggest a meeting agenda, remind them to buy a birthday gift, or recommend restaurants for an upcoming trip.
Safety checks ensure that the content does not violate OpenAI's policies or contain harmful information. Users can manage personalization sources in the settings, including conversation history and ChatGPT memory. One real-world example is student Isaac Seiler, who received calendar and vacation management tips during a grant-funded stay in Taiwan, including information about trains and commuting that he would not have found on his own.
Future Plans for Pulse
Pulse is not perfect—as a preview version, it may occasionally suggest tips for projects the user has already completed or content that is not entirely relevant. Users can correct this through direct feedback, which Pulse remembers for next time. OpenAI gathered feedback from students in the ChatGPT Lab, where it became clear that the feature becomes more useful as users share their preferences, such as requesting a Friday overview of local events or tips for learning new skills.
In the future, OpenAI plans to expand Pulse to more apps to capture a more complete picture of users' lives. This could include updates throughout the day, such as a quick check before a meeting or a reminder to review a draft. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called Pulse his "favorite feature so far" because it represents a shift toward a highly capable personal assistant that acts on user instructions even without a direct query.
The feature combines elements such as news, connectors, and personal insights into a single morning summary tailored to each user. Instead of users having to search for information, Pulse delivers it automatically, making daily routines easier. For example, cards may include ideas for a quick dinner, reminders about goals, or travel tips such as family-friendly hotels or affordable options. OpenAI emphasizes privacy—app integrations require explicit consent and can be disabled at any time.
