Discover 5 Underused ChatGPT Features to Enhance Productivity

Artificial intelligence is making strides in everyday tasks, and tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly mainstream. According to data from OpenAI, approximately 10% of the global population, or about 700 million users, engage with the AI chatbot at least once a week. While skepticism about AI remains prevalent, a recent study by OpenAI reveals that the majority of users leverage ChatGPT for work and routine tasks rather than for more extravagant purposes.

Unlocking ChatGPT’s Potential

Among the most significant findings from OpenAI’s internal research is that nearly 40% of ChatGPT sessions focus on writing-related tasks, such as adjusting the tone of a text. Beyond these basic functions, the platform offers advanced features that can streamline various activities, particularly for paid users. One of the standout tools is the Deep Research feature, which allows users to compile information from multiple sources efficiently. This tool can save considerable time when researching complex topics.

For instance, one user recently utilized Deep Research to investigate the liability issues surrounding self-driving technology. By simply directing ChatGPT to gather information on incidents, court rulings, and local regulations, the AI produced a comprehensive report in under 10 minutes. This capability exemplifies how ChatGPT can significantly reduce the time spent on labor-intensive research tasks.

Another compelling feature is the ability to create custom GPTs. Users can develop specific versions of ChatGPT tailored to perform designated tasks without needing any coding skills. By merely describing the desired function in natural language, users can save their custom GPTs for personal use or share them with others. The official GPT Store also offers a range of user-created options across various categories, from productivity to creative writing.

Enhancing User Experience with Uploads and Temporary Chats

ChatGPT also possesses the capability to analyze uploaded files. This multi-modal understanding means that users can submit various file formats—including Excel and PDF—so that the AI can generate responses based on the provided content. A recent example involved a user who fed a research paper about Virtual Reality experiences into ChatGPT, requesting a breakdown of key points. The chatbot successfully extracted and simplified complex data, making it more accessible.

Privacy concerns often arise with AI technology, especially regarding data retention. ChatGPT has addressed this by introducing a Temporary Chats mode, similar to incognito browsing. When activated, this feature ensures that conversations do not appear in the chat history and are not saved for training purposes. This mode is particularly beneficial for sensitive discussions, providing users with a fresh start for each interaction.

While using Temporary Chats, users can still engage with the broader capabilities of ChatGPT. However, it is essential to activate this mode from the main dashboard rather than while using custom GPTs, as third-party services may retain logs according to their privacy policies.

In addition to these features, ChatGPT has introduced connectors that allow users to integrate various services, including Gmail, Google Calendar, and Slack. This integration enables the AI to interact with your data, making it possible to manage tasks seamlessly. For example, users can request updates on tasks based on recent meeting notes or generate analyses combining internal reports with external data.

Overall, as AI technology continues to evolve, tools like ChatGPT are proving invaluable for enhancing productivity. By harnessing these underutilized features, users can significantly improve their efficiency and streamline their workflows, making the most of what AI has to offer.