chatgpt news, stories and analysis

ChatGPT ads reach 2 of 7 subscription tiers and 9 countries by August 2026, with Free and Go tiers showing sponsored placements below AI responses

ChatGPT ads explained: what every free user should know

ChatGPT ads are sponsored placements shown to Free and Go tier users. They launched in the U.S. in February 2026 and reached nine countries by August.

Lars Cornelissen · Aug 13, 2026

Abstract visualization of GPT-5.6 factual error reduction, showing Luna at 62 percent fewer errors and Sol at 68 percent fewer errors versus GPT-5.5 Instant baseline

AI for dummies

GPT-5.6 Sol gets sharper and Luna goes free for all

OpenAI sharpened GPT-5.6 Sol for paying users and opened Luna to free users with unlimited text chats. Here is what beginners should know about the update.

Lars Cornelissen · Aug 7, 2026

Abstract bar visualization of AI provider entries in the AI agent guide. In 2025, ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini each had 1 chat mode recommended. In 2026, ChatGPT has 2 agent modes, Claude has 2 agent modes, and Gemini has 0. The AI agent guide shows ChatGPT and Claude leading with 2 agent modes each while Gemini dropped to 0.

AI for dummies

Your AI agent guide: which AI to use for tasks in 2026

This AI agent guide maps the shift from chat to agents. ChatGPT Work and Claude Cowork now lead for real work, while Gemini has dropped off the list.

Lars Cornelissen · Jul 29, 2026

Agentic commerce merchant readiness in 2026: 19 percent have solutions in place, 32 percent are implementing, 31 percent are planning, and 15 percent have no plans.

Business

Agentic commerce gets Visa’s ChatGPT payment rails

Agentic commerce is AI agents completing purchases with permission. Visa’s ChatGPT deal brings it to 4.8 billion credentials.

Lars Cornelissen · Jun 11, 2026