OpenAI’s big Codex update is a direct shot at Claude Code

Key Points:

• OpenAI has updated its Codex system to enable it to operate desktop applications on macOS, work in the background without disrupting other tasks, and run multiple agents simultaneously, initially rolling out to ChatGPT-signed-in users.
• The update introduces image generation and iteration capabilities with gpt-image-1.5, new plug-ins for tools like GitLab, Atlassian Rovo, and Microsoft Suite, and native web browsing with in-app commenting for precise agent instructions.
• Codex now supports task automation improvements, including reusing conversation threads, scheduling future tasks, and automatically resuming long-term work.
• A new opt-in memory feature allows Codex to retain context from past interactions, such as personal preferences and corrections, aiming to improve task completion speed and quality; this will soon be available to Enterprise, Education, and EU users.
• The rollout is initially limited to macOS users outside the EU, with broader operating system support and EU access planned for the near future.