OpenAI launches GPT‑5.1 with customizable tone, conciseness and emoji settings
OpenAI’s latest rollout, GPT‑5.1, pushes the conversation beyond raw capability and into how the model interacts with users. The update arrives under the banner “OpenAI launches GPT‑5.1 with customizable tone, conciseness and emoji settings,” signaling a shift toward finer‑grained control rather than just bigger benchmarks. While the predecessor, GPT‑5, already set a high bar for language generation, the new version adds a layer of personalization that lets individuals shape the feel of each reply.
This move reflects a broader trend of turning AI from a one‑size‑fits‑all tool into something that can be tuned to match personal or brand voice preferences. By offering adjustable warmth, brevity, and even emoji frequency, OpenAI is betting that users care as much about the style of output as they do about accuracy. The following quote lays out exactly what those knobs look like in practice and how they integrate with the model’s underlying improvements.
You can adjust how concise or warm the responses are, decide how often emojis appear, and even let ChatGPT suggest tone changes automatically when it notices your preferences. GPT-5.1 builds on what GPT-5 started, refining both performance and user experience. The model feels more capable, more consistent, and more adaptable to different needs.
It follows instructions better, understands tone more naturally, and gives users greater control through personalization. The return of the distinct reasoning mode also shows that OpenAI is listening to feedback and adjusting its approach. While it is not a complete overhaul, GPT-5.1 is a thoughtful upgrade that bridges the gap between speed, intelligence, and usability.
Will GPT‑5.1 satisfy the users who felt let down by the previous release? OpenAI says the new version restores the deep‑thinking ability that vanished when the o‑series models were retired, and it adds speed. For straightforward prompts the model replies in a flash; for more involved queries it takes a slower, more deliberate approach.
Users can now dial in how concise or warm a response should be, choose the frequency of emojis, and even let the system suggest tone shifts automatically. The update is presented as a refinement of GPT‑5’s performance and user experience, suggesting a smoother interaction overall. Yet the article notes that the earlier removal of the o‑series sparked discontent, and it remains unclear whether the added customisation will fully address those concerns.
The claim that GPT‑5.1 feels “more capable” is supported by anecdotal impressions, but systematic evaluation is not provided. As with any incremental rollout, the true impact will depend on how consistently the promised flexibility translates into everyday use.
Further Reading
- Available now: GPT-5.1 in Microsoft Copilot Studio - Microsoft Copilot Blog
- Introducing GPT-5.1 for developers - OpenAI
- GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking System Card Addendum - OpenAI
- OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.1 (UPDATE) - YouTube
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Common Questions Answered
What new personalization features does GPT‑5.1 introduce compared to GPT‑5?
GPT‑5.1 adds customizable settings for tone, conciseness, and emoji frequency, allowing users to shape how warm or brief responses feel. It also offers automatic tone‑shift suggestions based on detected user preferences, enhancing the interaction experience.
How does GPT‑5.1 handle response speed for different types of prompts?
For straightforward prompts, GPT‑5.1 replies almost instantly, delivering rapid answers. More complex queries trigger a slower, more deliberate processing mode to ensure thorough and accurate responses.
In what way does GPT‑5.1 restore the 'deep‑thinking' ability that was lost in earlier o‑series models?
OpenAI states that GPT‑5.1 reintroduces deep‑thinking capabilities by improving its reasoning pathways, which were diminished when the o‑series models were retired. This enhancement allows the model to handle nuanced, multi‑step problems more effectively.
Can users rely on GPT‑5.1 to follow instructions more accurately than its predecessor?
Yes, GPT‑5.1 is designed to follow instructions better, interpreting tone cues naturally and adhering to user‑specified constraints like conciseness. This results in more consistent and adaptable outputs across varied use cases.
What role do emoji settings play in the user experience of GPT‑5.1?
Emoji settings let users control how often emojis appear in responses, adding a layer of expressive customization. By adjusting this frequency, users can make interactions feel more informal or professional according to their preferences.