OpenAI’s GPT-5.6 and ChatGPT Work aim to beat Anthropic on price, speed, and productivity
OpenAI’s latest announcement looks like a lot more than a model upgrade.
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. OpenAI cranked out a series of big announcements today. They're news-making in their own right, but I have to be honest with you. These announcements also feel like they're OpenAI's way of playing catch-up with all the buzz Anthropic has been generating. Key among the announcements are three new models: GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna. We knew that 5.6 was on the way because the government stepped in last month to delay its release. This, of course, follows hot on the heels of the big news-dominating Anthropic/White House kerfuffle about Fable 5 and Mythos 5. Also: I tested ChatGPT's Live Voice upgrade, and it almost felt human – how to try it Also announced was ChatGPT Work, which is clearly OpenAI's answer to Claude Cowork. ChatGPT Work allows the AI to access your desktop and browser and perform tasks for you. This is not a new OpenAI feature. Previously, it was embedded in the Codex app, OpenAI's agentic programming tool. Clearly, OpenAI took a branding page from Anthropic and separated the agentic work assistant from its agentic coding tool, which should make it more appealing to non-coders. I have often criticized OpenAI for its startling absence of a good branding strategy, so this is actually a positive sign. Perhaps its programmers are no longer driving their product marketing strategy. Then again, perhaps ChatGPT 5.6 Sol is.