ChatGPT Pulse Arrives — What It Means for Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya

OpenAI has rolled out ChatGPT Pulse, a new proactive feature for Pro-tier mobile users that transforms ChatGPT from a reactive assistant into one that anticipates your needs. 

What is ChatGPT Pulse?

• Pulse conducts overnight research using your past chats, memory, and feedback, then delivers a set of visual “cards” with updates in the morning—things you might find useful. 

• Topics can include reminders, travel ideas, recipes, project follow-ups, or insights related to your interests. 

• You can influence what Pulse shows by giving thumbs up/down feedback. 

Availability & Limitations

• Currently, only ChatGPT Pro users on iOS and Android can access Pulse. It is not available on web or desktopyet. 

• Memory must be turned on in settings for Pulse to function. You can disable Pulse or memory at any time. 

• As a preview, Pulse still has imperfections. Sometimes it will surface irrelevant updates. OpenAI expects to refine its accuracy over time. 

Why This Matters for Kenyans

• Kenya is one of the most active users of ChatGPT globally, especially among youth and professionals seeking quick insights or drafting content. 

• Pulse can help busy Kenyans stay ahead—morning briefings may reduce time wasted searching, remind of meetings, suggest local events or news, or flag tasks related to business or studies.

• But it raises privacy and data concerns: Pulse relies on access to chat history, memory, and connected apps. Users must weigh convenience against how much data they want to expose. 

• OpenAI asserts that Pulse data will remain private and will not be used to train models for other users. 

Potential Challenges & Risks

• Overdependence: Users might leech off AI rather than exercising critical thinking.

• Relevance drift: As users’ interests change, Pulse may lag in adapting.

• Privacy leak risks: If devices or accounts are compromised, your “personalized updates” may reveal sensitive info.

• Digital divide: Only Pro users with mobile access benefit; many in Kenya use basic or free tiers.

What Kenyan Users Should Do

1. Monitor settings: Turn off memory or Pulse if uncomfortable.

2. Be selective: Feed feedback (thumbs up/down) to guide Pulse’s focus.

3. Use as aid, not crutch: Keep exercising independent thinking.

4. Watch rollout in Kenya: Pulse may expand to Plus or free tiers later.