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Turn ChatGPT into a Remote AI Operator: Control Codex Desktop & Your Computer from Anywhere

OpenAI Developer Community April 16, 2026
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I would also like to add my thoughts on this topic. This idea seems aligned with the direction software development is going:

Feature Proposal: Unified ChatGPT and Codex Cross-Device Workflow

I would like to propose a more unified workflow between the ChatGPT and Codex apps, particularly across Windows or Mac desktop and mobile.

Summary

Please consider bringing ChatGPT and Codex closer together so that users can begin technical work on a Mac or Windows PC and continue meaningfully from a mobile phone while away from their desk.

The key idea is not only conversation sync, but workflow continuity. At present, normal ChatGPT conversations can be continued across devices, but local Codex work tied to files on a PC feels more isolated. A more connected experience would be extremely valuable for developers and technical users.

Main Use Case

I may begin work in Codex on my Mac or Windows PC against a local project or repository. Later, when I am away from the computer, I would like to open the ChatGPT app on my phone and continue in the same thread with awareness of:

  • the task already being worked on

  • the recent commands and outputs

  • the files that were being discussed or changed

  • the current state of the work

  • what remains to be reviewed, approved, or run next

Even if my phone cannot directly access the PC filesystem, I would still like the mobile app to function as a continuation point for the same job.

Example Scenario

  • I start a task in Codex on Windows to modify code in a local repository.

  • Codex inspects files, proposes changes, runs commands, and produces diffs.

  • I leave my desk.

  • On mobile, I open the same thread in ChatGPT and can:

    • review progress

    • read summaries of changes made

    • inspect diffs or proposed next steps

    • ask follow-up questions

    • approve or reject actions

    • leave instructions for when I return to the Mac or my Windows PC

This would make ChatGPT and Codex feel like parts of one development environment rather than separate surfaces.

Requested Capabilities

1. Unified conversation and task continuity

A Codex task started on desktop should appear as a first-class conversation or project thread in ChatGPT mobile.

2. Persistent execution context summary

When a local Codex task is in progress, the mobile app should show:

  • current objective

  • recent actions taken

  • pending actions

  • changed files

  • diffs awaiting approval

  • blockers or failed commands

3. Remote review mode

From mobile, I should be able to:

  • read the latest state of the task

  • comment on proposed changes

  • approve or reject diffs

  • ask for another approach

  • queue follow-up instructions

4. Desktop relay or handoff mode

If direct remote execution is not appropriate, the Windows Codex app could remain the execution host while mobile acts as a control and review layer.

5. Clear distinction between local and cloud context

The interface should make it obvious when work is:

  • local to a specific machine

  • running in a cloud environment

  • available for review only

  • waiting for the desktop to come back online

Why This Matters

This would solve a real workflow gap for developers and technical users.

Benefits include:

  • better continuity between desk work and remote review

  • reduced friction when stepping away from a machine

  • easier supervision of longer-running technical tasks

  • stronger integration between OpenAI’s desktop and mobile experiences

  • a more coherent product story around ChatGPT and Codex

Product Value

A unified experience would make the ecosystem feel significantly more polished and powerful.

Right now, ChatGPT is excellent for conversation continuity, while Codex is powerful for hands-on technical work. Combining those strengths more tightly would create a much stronger developer workflow, especially for users who move between desktop and mobile throughout the day.

The result would be quicker task completion and, in turn, faster project delivery overall, which appears to align with the broader direction of the platform.

Suggested Implementation Approaches

Any of these would be useful:

  1. Unified thread model Codex sessions appear directly inside ChatGPT conversations/projects.

  2. Remote review companion Mobile can review and guide local Codex work without requiring direct filesystem access.

  3. Desktop-hosted execution with mobile control The PC remains the executor; mobile acts as a secure review and approval interface.

  4. Cloud-synced task state Even when files are local, task metadata, summaries, diffs, and decisions sync across devices.

Final Request

Please consider a roadmap direction where ChatGPT and Codex feel like one connected system across Windows/Mac and mobile, especially for local development workflows.

For users doing real technical work, the ability to start on desktop and continue from mobile would be a major improvement.

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