According to AIbase, OpenAI is preparing for a major innovation in the core interaction method of ChatGPT. According to developers, OpenAI is secretly testing a new feature codenamed "Hazelnut" (Hazelnut), called "Skills" (Skills). This feature is seen as a strong response to the similar function of competitor Anthropic's Claude.

ChatGPT

From "GPTs" to "Skills": A Paradigm Shift in ChatGPT

For a long time, users mainly expanded the functionality of ChatGPT through customized GPTs (Custom GPTs). However, the upcoming Skills marks a shift toward a "folder-based instruction" approach. Unlike GPTs that focus on specific role settings, Skills emphasize teaching the AI specific abilities, workflows, and domain knowledge.

Learning from Claude: A More Efficient and Powerful "Skill Stack"

Claude has already demonstrated the advantages of the Skills model, such as its "front-end design plugin," which allows AI to be more perceptive when writing web applications. According to industry standards, this new skill system has four core characteristics:

  • Composability: Skills can be used in combination. The system can automatically identify task requirements and coordinate multiple skills to work together.

  • High Portability: Uses a unified format. Developers only need to build it once, and it can be used across ChatGPT's web version, desktop client, and API.

  • Extreme Efficiency: Loads on demand. Specific instructions are only retrieved when processing related tasks, avoiding unnecessary consumption of the context window.

  • Strong Execution Power: Supports writing and running executable code, solving the unreliability of traditional token generation (Token Generation) in logic programming tasks.

Feature Outlook: Slash Commands and GPT Conversion

Insider Tibor on social media platform X pointed out that the new feature will introduce slash commands (Slash Commands) interaction methods, significantly improving operational efficiency. In addition, OpenAI plans to launch a dedicated skill editor and allow users to convert existing custom GPTs into "skills" with one click, achieving a smooth transition.

Although OpenAI has not officially announced the release date, the market generally expects the feature to be released around January 2026, at which point ChatGPT may complete the critical transition from "chatbot" to "intelligent operating system."