OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued an internal code red alert, directing teams to pause work on ads, shopping features, health agents, and the Pulse personal assistant to focus entirely on making ChatGPT faster, more reliable, and capable of handling a wider range of questions. The move comes as Google’s Gemini 3 model gains ground on benchmarks and user metrics, three years after ChatGPT’s launch prompted Google’s own code red response.
OpenAI has introduced GPT 5.1 as an updated default model family in ChatGPT, combining GPT 5.1 Instant and GPT 5.1 Thinking and using adaptive reasoning to select response depth. The rollout starts with paid tiers and expands to other users, while new personality controls allow tone changes during an active conversation.


