Chat GTP-5 is here, and opinions are mixed, we talk new features and why some users say 4 was the better version

We reported on ChatGTP-5, code named Project Strawberry at the time, nearly one year ago today. The reported update was supposed to boost reasoning capacity and begin the transition of introducing self-learning to AI versus requiring vast swaths of data scrubbed from the internet (a distinction likely aimed to combat the obvious problems when you randomly collect data from unknowing and many times unwilling sources).

With a potentially industry changing copyright lawsuit filed just this week, the race to set AI apart as a distinct tool separate from the data it was built on is in full swing and as usual OpenAI’s ChatGPT product is leading the charge.

New features include the ability to handle text ,images, voice and video all within a single conversation, so there's no longer a need to switch between text chats and chats when you would like to analyze files. It’s also being reported so far that the answers users are receiving are more accurate, especially for technical questions and that it can now answer with much greater detail.

Although it should be noted some of this improved reasoning is locked behind a paywall, with free users receiving the “basic” version of the model or ChatGPT-5 mini as dubbed by OpenAI themselves. Plus users will receive an improved version with one caveat, when load is high the company has said all users will only have access to the mini version to keep services afloat.

It's not all sunshine and rainbows however, some users aren’t thrilled with the update and have even requested the ability to return to Chat-GPT4. Common complaints are that Chat-GPT5 is much slower than 4 was and there is more frequent crashing (whether it be within the client itself or ChatGPT crashing user’s browser tabs).

There have also been complaints that the model is more patronizing now, with users receiving praise for every query and even changing the personality or directly requesting it to leave the compliments out is outright is mostly ignored by the model at the time of reporting.

We aren’t sure what the outcome of a successful copyright lawsuit will mean for the future of AI but as a technology provider we suspect it will stick around in some capacity regardless of the success or failure of ongoing litigation. While the creative uses for AI such as image generation may be more at play the key functionality for businesses as a means of increasing productivity are what we like to focus on. Here are three ways you can utilize AI in your business today:

1. Inbox & customer-support copilot
   What it does: summarizes long threads, drafts tailored replies, and suggests next steps so you clear the queue quicker.
   Try this prompt (paste an email thread under it):
   “Summarize this thread in 3 bullets, list the customer’s main concern, and draft a friendly 120-word reply that (a) acknowledges the issue, (b) proposes a solution, and (c) offers a next step. Keep it on-brand: helpful, concise, no jargon.”
   Pro tip: Save a few tone/style notes once and reuse them for consistent replies.
2. SOPs, checklists, and onboarding in minutes
   What it does: turns rough notes into step-by-step procedures, checklists, and quick-start guides for new hires.
   Try this prompt (paste your messy process notes):
   “Turn this into a clear SOP with: purpose, prerequisites, step-by-step actions (numbered), decision points, common pitfalls, and a 5-question quiz to confirm understanding. Make it skimmable.”
   Pro tip: Ask for a one-page version and a printable checklist for the wall.
3. Spreadsheet/data sidekick (Excel/Sheets)
   What it does: writes formulas, cleans lists, and gives quick insights so you stop hunting Stack Overflow.
   Try this prompt (describe your sheet):
   “I have columns: Date, Lead Source, Deal Size, Status. Give me (1) a formula to count won deals per month, (2) a chart I should make and why, and (3) three insights I can present in one sentence each.”
   Pro tip: Paste a few sample rows so it can generate formulas that fit your exact layout.

Ready to turn AI into real productivity? At Valley Techlogic, we can help you plug Chat GPT-5 into the tools you already use, Microsoft 365/Teams, Outlook, SharePoint (or Google Workspace so it drafts emails, turns rough notes into SOPs, and tames spreadsheets right where work happens. Learn more today with a consultation.

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