OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has declared a “code red” internally, urging employees to prioritize improving ChatGPT’s quality and user experience. This directive comes in response to increasing pressure from competitors, particularly Google’s recent launch of its advanced Gemini 3 AI model. Altman’s memo calls for enhancements such as better personalization, faster and more reliable responses, and an expanded range of question-answering capabilities. Consequently, OpenAI is reportedly delaying other planned initiatives, including the integration of advertisements, AI-powered shopping tools, and the ChatGPT Pulse personal assistant. While OpenAI has not officially commented on the memo, ChatGPT Head Nick Turley posted on X about focusing on making ChatGPT more capable, intuitive, and personal, asserting its position as the #1 AI assistant globally. Turley also suggested that ChatGPT accounts for approximately 10% of search activity, though the exact scope of this claim is unclear. Despite previous statements from Altman suggesting no immediate plans for ads, references to ad integrations have been found in the ChatGPT Android app code, and OpenAI is reportedly testing various ad formats, including online shopping ads. Turley had previously indicated that any ad integration would need to be approached with significant thoughtfulness and taste.
