OpenAI's GPT-5.1 makes ChatGPT 'warmer' and smarter - how its upgraded modes work now

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• OpenAI's GPT-5.1 includes two brand-new models. 
• Users can also choose from new personalities. 
• The updates are meant to make ChatGPT more personalized. 

OpenAI updated ChatGPT with its highly-anticipated GPT-5 model over the summer, which was supposed to streamline the user experience by making the chatbot automatically pick the right model based on the input query. However, people immediately missed the ability to personalize the experience to their needs -- and this GPT 5.1 release promises to bring that choice back.

On Wednesday, OpenAI upgraded its GPT-5 series of models in ChatGPT to include two brand-new models: GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking. These models aim to make using ChatGPT a more seamless experience, featuring what OpenAI said are "smarter" and "warmer" conversations. 

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