OpenAI has recently announced a new optional feature called "Computer History" for ChatGPT Work and Codex users on macOS. This feature is primarily available to Pro, Business, and Enterprise subscribers. After obtaining user authorization, it can track daily computer activities across applications and websites and automatically convert them into structured memories and timelines.

In practical applications, this feature will significantly enhance ChatGPT's contextual understanding and retrieval capabilities. Users no longer need to spend time re-explaining background information to the AI. Instead, they can simply ask questions like "What was I debugging yesterday?" or "Where did I leave off on that PR?" and ChatGPT will accurately locate relevant files, documents, and conversations in Google Docs, Slack, or browser tabs based on the history of operations. For situations where users vaguely remember reading a document but completely forget its exact location, this feature offers great convenience.

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Differing from Microsoft's controversial Recall feature, which uses continuous screenshot mechanisms, OpenAI emphasized that this feature does not take screenshots during operation. The development team stated that "Computer History" does not rely on screen visuals or audio capture, but instead efficiently generates memories by tracking interaction events such as clicks, typing, and application switching. This also distinguishes it from OpenAI's early Chronicle research project and Record & Replay features.

In terms of privacy protection and user control, the feature is default off and users can pause it at any time through the macOS menu bar or desktop settings, or freely exclude specific applications and websites from access. All collected activity data is stored locally, and users can view the captured content anytime and delete any information they do not wish to retain.

Currently, the "Computer History" feature is being rolled out to applicable subscribers worldwide, although users in the European Economic Area (EEA), the UK, and Switzerland are expected to gain access within the next few weeks.