OpenAI’s 5.1 update is rolling out, and several changes matter for how teams actually work with AI. A single Auto setting now routes every question to the right model. Instant handles simple tasks quickly, Thinking adapts its reasoning time when things get complex. No more debate about which model to choose.
Big ideas
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Auto as default
One setting chooses between speed or depth automatically. Less friction, fewer wrong-model replies. -
Instant and Thinking
Instant is warmer and faster for everyday work. Thinking expands reasoning when needed so complex queries get real computational effort. -
Better instruction following
5.1 fixes misrouting issues from earlier versions, resulting in clearer, more direct answers. -
Selectable personality presets
Teams can now pick tones like Professional or Efficient and adjust warmth and verbosity for each conversation.
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The shift is subtle but important. AI is moving from “pick a model” to “describe the work and let the system decide”.
HT: AI Mindset for image
