OpenAI has officially announced a significant update to its AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT, introducing a new user interface for custom instructions that enables users to personalize their interactions with the platform. The feature, which was initially spotted by some users last week, allows users to customize ChatGPT's traits, tone, and responses to better suit their preferences.

The new interface, which is currently rolling out on ChatGPT.com and the Windows desktop app, enables users to specify a preferred name or nickname, their profession, and other details they'd like ChatGPT to know about them. Additionally, users can select from a range of "traits" they'd like the chatbot to exhibit, such as being "Chatty," "Encouraging," or "Gen Z." This feature is unrelated to ChatGPT's memory feature, which allows users to explicitly tell the chatbot to remember or forget specific information.

The revamped menu is designed to provide users with more personalized responses from ChatGPT. According to OpenAI, the new interface is intended to make it easier for users to customize how the chatbot responds to them. The company suggests that users "introduce themselves to get better, more personalized responses."

While the new interface may appear to be a significant update, it's likely that the underlying technology remains largely the same. The old custom instructions feature relied on prompt engineering to guide ChatGPT's style and tone, and it's likely that the new menu still utilizes this approach. The primary difference appears to be a more user-friendly presentation of the customization options.

OpenAI has previously stated that it applies moderation to custom instructions to ensure they adhere to its terms of use. It's likely that this moderation process remains in place with the revamped personalization settings. The company has been working to refine ChatGPT as its user base grows, adding features like live web search and a "Canvas" interface tailored to writing and coding projects.

The update comes as ChatGPT continues to experience rapid growth, with over 300 million users interacting with the chatbot each week. The new customization options are expected to roll out to mobile and MacOS desktop apps in the coming weeks, although users in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland will not have immediate access to the feature.

As ChatGPT continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how users respond to the new customization options and how they impact the overall user experience. With its growing user base and expanding feature set, ChatGPT is poised to remain a significant player in the AI-powered chatbot landscape.