The preview release, announced on Tuesday, follows longstanding requests from the Linux community for a native desktop application.

The company said the new app allows Linux users to access ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work and Codex directly from their desktops.

“Linux has been one of the most-requested platforms for the desktop app, and this launch extends ChatGPT and Codex across every major desktop operating system,” OpenAI said.

The application supports desktop versions of Ubuntu 24.04 and 26.04 LTS, Debian 13, Fedora 43 and Fedora 44. OpenAI noted that other Linux distributions derived from these operating systems are also expected to be compatible.

The worldwide rollout places OpenAI alongside Anthropic, which introduced a Linux desktop application for Claude last month.

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The update comes as ChatGPT surpasses one billion weekly users, marking a significant milestone for the AI platform.

Under the rollout, GPT-5.6 Luna will become the default model for Free and Go users, replacing GPT-5.5. OpenAI said the changes will give users unlimited text conversations, although separate usage limits will continue to apply to file uploads, image generation, voice interactions and other multimodal features.

The company is also introducing a new “Think” button for Free and Go users, allowing them to activate enhanced reasoning capabilities when tackling more complex questions.

For ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers, OpenAI is rolling out an upgraded version of GPT-5.6 Sol, designed to deliver faster, more concise responses for tasks such as writing, web research, planning, decision-making and general question answering.

The company noted that the updated GPT-5.6 Sol differs from the version currently powering Codex and ChatGPT Work, which remain unchanged.

Plus and Pro users will also gain access to a new thinking slider, enabling them to adjust how much reasoning the AI applies before generating a response based on the complexity of a task.

According to OpenAI, internal evaluations showed significant improvements in factual accuracy. Compared with GPT-5.5 Instant, factual errors were reduced by 62% in GPT-5.6 Luna and by 68% in GPT-5.6 Sol.

The upgraded GPT-5.6 Sol is available immediately for Plus and Pro subscribers, while the remaining updates for Free and Go users will roll out over the coming week. OpenAI said unlimited text chats and the new Think feature will become available to all eligible users next week.

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The platforms, ChatGPT Mil and Grok for Government, have been integrated into GenAI.mil, a centralised and secure portal designed to provide Department of Defense personnel with access to advanced commercial AI models without routing sensitive government information through standard consumer services.

GenAI.mil, which initially offered Google’s Gemini, was launched as part of the Pentagon’s broader effort to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across the department while maintaining stronger controls over government data.

The Department of Defense said the platform has already attracted more than 1.7 million unique users from its workforce of approximately 3 million personnel.

The addition of ChatGPT and Grok expands the range of AI tools available to defence personnel and reflects the Pentagon’s growing push to deploy frontier AI technologies across administrative, logistical and operational functions.

ChatGPT Mil was developed through OpenAI’s government-focused programme and will provide an interface similar to the commercial version of ChatGPT. According to the Department of Defense, the platform will initially support chat, file analysis, projects and custom GPTs.

The tool is expected to assist personnel with document-heavy and routine unclassified tasks, including administration, logistics, planning and policy-related work, with additional capabilities expected to be introduced over time.

Grok for Government, meanwhile, is being positioned for a wider range of military and operational applications.

The Department of Defense said the tool would provide personnel with productivity improvements, stronger knowledge continuity and more secure collaboration.

According to the department, Grok could support activities ranging from market research and acquisition analysis to supply-chain management and other operational tasks, helping personnel execute missions more efficiently.

The latest rollout comes as the Pentagon deepens partnerships with major technology companies to strengthen its AI capabilities. The department has also entered into agreements with companies including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Nvidia and other AI and cloud technology providers as it seeks to expand the use of AI across both classified and unclassified environments.

The move also comes amid the Pentagon’s ongoing dispute with Anthropic, whose Claude model is notably absent from the GenAI.mil platform. The Trump administration previously designated Anthropic a supply-chain risk following disagreements over the conditions under which the company would allow the military to use its AI systems.

Anthropic has challenged the designation, arguing for safety restrictions on certain military applications of its technology.

With the addition of ChatGPT Mil and Grok for Government, the Pentagon is further broadening access to commercial frontier AI models as it seeks to improve productivity, decision-making and operational efficiency while maintaining tighter safeguards around government data.

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The launch comes amid intensifying global competition between the United States and China to develop next-generation AI models capable of advancing fields such as cybersecurity, scientific research, and software development.

U.S. authorities have stepped up oversight of frontier AI models amid concerns that advanced systems could be exploited by foreign military and intelligence agencies or used to accelerate sophisticated cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.

The release follows additional testing and consultations between OpenAI and U.S. government officials before approval was granted for a broader public rollout.

OpenAI had previously limited access to GPT-5.6 to a select group of vetted partners while the review process was underway.

Alongside its flagship GPT-5.6 Sol model, the company also introduced two lower-cost variants, Terra and Luna, expanding its portfolio of AI models for different use cases.

According to OpenAI, GPT-5.6 delivers improved performance in coding, biology, cybersecurity, reasoning and autonomous AI tasks. During earlier previews, the company said GPT-5.6 Sol demonstrated competitive performance on cybersecurity benchmarks against leading frontier AI models.

The launch comes as governments increasingly examine the security implications of advanced AI technologies. Chinese authorities have also been considering restrictions on overseas access to the country’s most advanced AI models as Beijing seeks to safeguard strategic AI capabilities.

The rollout marks OpenAI’s biggest model release since GPT-5 and reinforces the company’s position in an increasingly competitive AI market, where rivals including Anthropic, Google, Meta and Elon Musk’s xAI continue to introduce more capable frontier models.

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The report shows that ChatGPT remains the world’s most widely used AI assistant, with more than 1.1 billion monthly users. However, its market share declined to 46.4% by the end of May, down from more than 50% in January.

Google’s Gemini emerged as the biggest challenger, increasing its share to 27.7%, while Anthropic’s Claude reached 10.3%. Other AI assistants, including Grok, Perplexity, DeepSeek and Meta AI, each accounted for less than 5% of the market.

Despite the decline in market share, ChatGPT continues to record significant growth. Sensor Tower recently reported that it became the fastest application to reach one billion monthly users. OpenAI last disclosed that ChatGPT had 900 million weekly active users as of February.

The report noted that users are becoming increasingly willing to switch between AI assistants, with factors beyond product features influencing adoption. According to Sensor Tower, OpenAI’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense earlier this year triggered a measurable increase in app uninstalls, suggesting that brand perception and corporate decisions can affect user loyalty.

Gemini’s growth has been largely driven by its integration across Google’s ecosystem of products and services, while Claude has gained traction among productivity-focused users and is narrowing the gap with ChatGPT in user retention metrics.

The AI app market also continues to expand rapidly. Sensor Tower estimates that users will download nearly 2.3 billion AI applications and spend more than $4.2 billion on them during the first half of 2026, compared with $1.83 billion during the same period in 2025.

While spending and downloads continue to grow, the report noted that growth rates are slowing, indicating that the market may be gradually maturing.

Regionally, Asia recorded its first decline in AI app downloads, falling by 3.3% during the first quarter of 2026 due to weaker demand in China and India. However, the region remains the largest market globally by total downloads.

In contrast, North America and Europe continue to lead in user spending on AI applications. Sensor Tower said U.S. users are increasingly adopting AI assistants for productivity purposes and are more likely to pay for premium features.

Anthropic’s Claude recorded the highest subscription conversion rate among major AI assistants, with 13% of users paying for premium plans.

The report also estimates that total time spent on AI applications will increase from 17.2 billion hours in the first half of 2025 to approximately 36 billion hours during the same period in 2026.

According to the report, ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude collectively account for 89% of all time spent on AI assistant applications, underscoring their dominance in a rapidly evolving market.

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The feature, currently available in preview, lets users link accounts through a partnership with Plaid, which supports connections to more than 12,000 financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase, Fidelity Investments, Robinhood, American Express, and Capital One.

Once connected, users can view portfolio performance, track subscriptions and upcoming bills, analyse spending habits, and ask finance-related questions directly within ChatGPT.

According to OpenAI, the new tools are designed to make financial planning more conversational and personalised. Users can ask questions such as why their spending increased recently or request assistance building savings plans for future goals like home ownership.

The launch follows OpenAI’s acquisition last month of the team behind personal finance startup Hiro, which was backed by firms including Ribbit Capital and General Catalyst. OpenAI said the team’s financial expertise contributed to the development of the new feature.

The company added that the finance tools are powered by its GPT-5.5 model, which it said offers improved contextual reasoning for financial conversations and analysis.

Users can access the feature by selecting the “Finances” option in ChatGPT or by typing prompts such as “@Finances, connect my accounts.” OpenAI also said users will be able to disconnect accounts at any time, with synced data deleted within 30 days after removal.

The finance tools are currently available on the web and iOS versions of ChatGPT for Pro subscribers in the U.S., with wider availability expected after further testing and feedback.

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‎By Fatimah Yusuf Usman,

‎It often begins quietly, at the end of a long day, in a moment of mental fatigue, when explaining yourself to another person feels like too much work. Instead of reaching out to a friend, a colleague, or even a family member, you turn to an artificial intelligence platform.

‎And it responds, calmly, promptly, and without judgment. What was once a novelty has now become routine.

Platforms such as ChatGPT, Replika, and algorithm-driven systems embedded in TikTok are no longer just tools for information or entertainment. They are increasingly becoming spaces for emotional expression and, for some, substitutes for human interaction.

‎This shift, though subtle, carries significant implications. Human communication has never been perfect. It is layered with interruptions, misunderstandings, emotional biases, and the constant demand for patience. Meaningful conversations require effort, time to listen, willingness to clarify, and the emotional capacity to engage with perspectives that may not align with our own.

‎Artificial intelligence, by contrast, removes that friction. It listens without interruption, responds without delay, and adapts seamlessly to tone and mood. It does not judge, misinterpret intentionally, or grow impatient. For users navigating stress, loneliness, or emotional uncertainty, this creates a controlled environment that feels safe and affirming.

‎But therein lies the concern. What AI offers is not genuine understanding, but highly refined simulation. It mirrors language patterns, anticipates emotional cues, and delivers responses designed to satisfy the user’s expectations. While this can provide temporary comfort, it lacks the core elements that define authentic human connection, mutual vulnerability, shared experience, and emotional reciprocity.

‎In practical terms, nothing is being built.

‎When individuals confide in one another, they are not merely exchanging words; they are establishing trust, strengthening bonds, and creating a shared history that evolves over time. Even disagreements and misinterpretations contribute to that process, reinforcing resilience and emotional intelligence.

‎Engagement with AI does not offer this continuity. Each interaction is self-contained, transactional, and ultimately disposable.

‎The long-term effect is a gradual recalibration of expectations. Individuals who become accustomed to seamless, user-centered interactions may find real-world conversations increasingly frustrating. The patience required to explain oneself, the discipline needed to listen actively, and the tolerance for being misunderstood begin to erode.

‎This is not a hypothetical risk, it is a behavioural shift already taking shape.

‎At a societal level, the implications are worth serious consideration, particularly in a country like Nigeria where communal living, interpersonal relationships, and shared social experiences have historically formed the backbone of social cohesion.

The rise of AI-mediated interaction introduces a more individualised communication model, one that prioritises convenience over connection.

‎If left unchecked, this could weaken the informal social structures that support mental well-being, conflict resolution, and community engagement.

‎To be clear, artificial intelligence is not inherently detrimental. It has proven value in education, productivity, and even preliminary emotional processing. Used responsibly, it can serve as a complementary tool, helping individuals organise thoughts or gain perspective before engaging in human dialogue.

‎However, it must not become a replacement. There is a fundamental difference between support and substitution. When AI becomes the first point of emotional disclosure rather than a secondary aid, it signals a shift that deserves attention from policymakers, educators, and communication professionals alike.

‎The conversation, therefore, is not about rejecting technology but about defining boundaries. We must ask critical questions: Are we becoming more efficient communicators, or simply more isolated ones? Are we leveraging AI to enhance human connection, or are we unconsciously allowing it to displace it?

‎The answers will shape not only how we interact, but how we relate to one another in an increasingly digital society.

‎Because while artificial intelligence can simulate attentiveness, it cannot replicate presence. It can generate responses, but it cannot share in experience. It can mirror emotion, but it cannot feel.

‎And in the final analysis, connection is not built on convenience. It is built on commitment, the willingness to engage, to listen, and to remain present even when the conversation is imperfect.

‎That is a standard no machine, however advanced, can meet.

‎

The post ‎The Risk of Talking More to AI Than People appeared first on Tech Digest News.

Eagle Starter Kit is a digital business toolkit designed to help everyday Nigerians launch profitable online side hustles using artificial intelligence, even with no prior experience.
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‎Built specifically for the Nigerian market, the platform provides users with ready-made prompts, templates, niche ideas and a clear seven-day roadmap to create and sell digital products online. From students and recent graduates to salary earners and aspiring entrepreneurs, Eagle Starter Kit is opening doors for people who want to earn smarter in the digital economy.
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‎Unlike many online business courses created for foreign markets, Eagle Starter Kit was designed with the realities of Nigerians in mind. It supports payment through bank transfer, card and USSD, works seamlessly with the free version of ChatGPT, and can be operated entirely from a smartphone.
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‎The system teaches users how to create digital products such as templates, guides, checklists, mini-courses and downloadable resources that can be sold repeatedly online. It also shows users how to market these products effectively on platforms Nigerians already use daily, including WhatsApp, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
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‎25 Nigeria-Ready AI Prompts tailored for product creation, sales pages and marketing.
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‎For many young Nigerians facing unemployment or income pressure, stories like these reflect the growing demand for practical income solutions that deliver measurable outcomes.
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‎Vision of the Founder
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‎The brain behind Eagle Starter Kit is Moses Olaoluwa Fasanya, a Computer Engineering professional and passionate AI enthusiast who understands firsthand the struggle of balancing a 9–5 job while seeking additional income streams.
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‎According to Fasanya, the inspiration for the project came from his own journey.
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‎“I created Eagle Starter Kit because I once needed this kind of guidance myself. I tried several side hustles without success until I discovered strategies that changed everything for me. I compressed months of learning, sleepless nights and hard work into one practical system so others can grow faster than I did.”
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‎“I strongly believe humanity progresses when we lift one another. That is the spirit behind this project. I wanted to make it affordable so ordinary Nigerians can access real opportunities.”
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‎As artificial intelligence continues to reshape global business, Eagle Starter Kit is positioning Nigerians to take advantage of the new economy instead of being left behind.
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‎Its easy-to-use model proves that anyone with a smartphone, internet connection and determination can start building digital assets that generate income.
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‎Eagle Starter Kit stands for accessibility, innovation and empowerment. It is helping Nigerians turn knowledge into income, one digital product at a time.
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The company described the release as a shift from rapid image generation to more deliberate, reasoning-driven construction of visuals, enabling the system to better interpret user intent.

According to OpenAI, the new model significantly improves instruction-following, object placement, text rendering, and multi-format image generation. It also supports multilingual text output and can generate multiple images from a single prompt.

Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman said the update represents a major leap forward in creative and practical applications of AI-generated imagery.

The system introduces a dual-mode approach: an “Instant Mode” for rapid outputs and a “Thinking Mode” that allows the model to refine prompts and improve accuracy before generating results.

OpenAI said the update is aimed at transforming image generation from a creative experiment into a practical tool for design, communication, and problem-solving.

ChatGPT Images 2.0 is available within ChatGPT and via API, with advanced features accessible to paid users.

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The move, first reported by The Information and confirmed to Reuters by an OpenAI spokesperson, marks a significant shift in the company’s monetisation strategy.

As part of the rollout, OpenAI has partnered with Criteo, an advertising technology firm that provides tools for ad placement and targeting. The integration forms part of an ongoing advertising pilot targeting free-tier users.

According to reports, Criteo has been pitching advertisers on campaigns ranging between $50,000 and $100,000, while OpenAI has advised brands to supply multiple variations of ad content to improve performance and visibility.

The introduction of ads comes as OpenAI seeks to diversify its revenue amid rising infrastructure costs and intensifying competition in the generative AI market.

The company has seen rapid growth in ChatGPT usage, increasing pressure to sustain operations and expand its business model beyond subscriptions and enterprise offerings.

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