Openai adds computer history tracking to itsmacos desktop app

OpenAI has introduced a new capability for its desktop application on macOS named Computer History. This feature records user interactions on the computer to understand daily work patterns, suggest automations, and resume unfinished tasks.

How it works

Instead of taking continuous visual captures of the screen, Computer History records structured action events. These logged details build a chronological timeline that the underlying models can reference when fulfilling user requests. In a demonstration shared by OpenAI, the system successfully located a recently edited document, checked if it had been shared via Slack, and provided a summary of morning activities.

Privacy controls

To address privacy concerns, the feature is strictly opt-in rather than enabled by default. Users retain granular control over the data collection, including the ability to delete specific entries and exclude designated applications or websites. According to company engineering staff, the system also automatically ignores content viewed within private or incognito browser tabs.