Verdict: In mid-2026, ChatGPT has evolved from a conversational interface into a "Superapp" capable of building, hosting, and operating business infrastructure. By leveraging the new @sites hosted builder and @computer background control, small business owners can now deploy interactive dashboards and automate repetitive desktop tasks without writing a single line of code.
Last verified: 2026-07-11
Key features: @sites (hosted builder) · @computer (background control) · The Pet (task manager)
Pricing/limits: Computer Use requires a ChatGPT Plus/Business/Enterprise plan and a Mac/Windows desktop.
What is ChatGPT Sites?
ChatGPT Sites (triggered by the @sites command) is a built-in hosted environment that allows ChatGPT to create, deploy, and manage interactive websites and lightweight apps. Unlike traditional "code generation," where the AI gives you a block of HTML to host yourself, Sites provides a managed URL that you can share immediately.
Inside ChatGPT Work (the integrated Codex/Business environment), you can ask the agent to build a "scenario planner for my Q3 budget" or a "customer review dashboard." The agent builds the UI, validates the logic, and deploys it to an internal openai.com sub-domain. This is a massive shift for small businesses that need internal tools but lack the budget for custom development.
Mastering Computer Use (@computer)
The most "agentic" update in 2026 is Computer Use. By typing @computer or selecting the plugin, you grant ChatGPT the ability to "see" your screen and operate the mouse and keyboard like a human.
Background vs. Foreground Mode
- Foreground (Windows/Mac): The AI takes over your active screen. You see the cursor moving and windows opening in real-time.
- Background (Mac only): The AI works in a virtualized background environment. You can continue checking email or attending a Zoom meeting while the agent refactors a spreadsheet or posts to a community forum on your behalf.
Safety & Permissions
To enable this, you must grant Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions in your OS. ChatGPT will always ask for permission before interacting with a new app unless you've added it to the "Always-allowed apps" list in Settings.
The Pet: Managing Your AI Workforce
With the launch of GPT-5.6 Sol and its tiered reasoning modes, users are increasingly running multiple tasks in parallel. To manage this complexity, OpenAI introduced "The Pet" (formerly Hatch Pet).
The Pet is a floating animated overlay that reflects the status of background agents.
- Waiting: The agent needs your input or approval.
- Running: The agent is actively thinking or performing a task (e.g., editing a video in Descript).
- Review: The agent has finished a step and is checking its work.
This visual shorthand allows you to monitor an autonomous AI employee without constantly switching tabs.
ChatGPT vs. Claude (2026): Which Should You Pick?
While Anthropic's Claude Code is often praised for its step-by-step reasoning and precision, ChatGPT wins on multimodal execution.
| Feature | ChatGPT (Sol) | Claude (Fable 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Use | Native background mode | Native via Cowork app |
| Site Building | @sites (Hosted) | Artifacts (Static only) |
| Video Editing | Native plugins (Descript) | Limited |
| Pricing | $20/mo (Plus) | $20/mo (Pro) |
For most small businesses, the GPT-5.6 Sol tier combined with the integrated ChatGPT Work stack offers the most complete "out of the box" automation experience.
What This Means for You
The "bar to build" has officially dropped to zero. If you can describe a business process, you can now have ChatGPT build the tool (@sites) and then operate it (@computer).
Example Workflow:
- Ask ChatGPT to build a "Client Onboarding Tracker" using
@sites. - Use
@computerto have the agent monitor your email and update the tracker whenever a new contract is signed. - Set the reasoning to GPT-5.6 Terra to keep costs low for these routine background tasks.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to be a developer to use @sites? A: No. It is designed for conversational creation. You describe the functionality, and the AI handles the deployment and hosting.
Q: Is Computer Use safe? A: It uses a "sandbox" approach where you must approve actions. Sensitive apps like banking are blocked by default.
Q: Can I use @computer on my phone? A: You can initiate or review a task on mobile, but the actual execution happens on a connected Mac or Windows desktop.
Q: What happened to Codex? A: Codex has been fully integrated into the ChatGPT "superapp" as part of the ChatGPT Work subscription.
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