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Boston Globe
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
How to get the most out of ChatGPT's new model — and where it still falls down
GPT-5 In testing the new model, responses did appear slightly faster and the answers were arranged more logically. Advertisement After I asked what I should do about a colleague who admitted they were stealing from work (a fictional scenario, I assure you), GPT-5 offered a four-step framework for considering what to do, including a bullet-pointed list of possible actions, while the older '4o' model's answer was more scattershot. But there were still problems with hallucinations. Asking for more background about Jennifer Beals after I read my colleague Matt Juul's Advertisement In addition to the under-the-hood improvements, GPT-5 offers several new features in the ChatGPT app. ChatGPT subscribers no longer have to select if they want a quick answer from the basic GPT-4o model or a slower but more in-depth answer from the o3 model. GPT-5 incorporates both approaches and the software automatically decides which to use. And since GPT-5 is available to free users as well, that means free users get access to an in-depth model for the first time. When I asked 4o for the cost of mid-October flights from Boston to Copenhagen, the model could only refer me to some websites to look up the info myself. But GPT-5 was able use its deeper mode to conduct its own web queries, write a summary, and provide links to actual flights I could book. The new model also lets users select one of four new personality themes (in addition to the default setting) that will influence the AI's tone. The 'nerd' setting is described as exploratory and enthusiastic, for example, while the 'cynic' is critical and sarcastic. There are also efficient 'robot' and supportive 'listener' modes. When I told ChatGPT I liked New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and asked for suggestions in Boston, the 'nerd' setting responded with the MFA and half a dozen other popular destinations while offering to 'steer the ship to that quirkier horizon next' if I wanted. The 'cynic' offered the same list but made a few wisecracks at my expense: 'Here's your shortlist of places in Beantown that won't completely embarrass your lofty tastes.' Advertisement The personality choices may be an effort to address criticism of OpenAI's update in March More expert reviewers are mostly giving the AI upgrade high marks, although some are disappointed that ChatGPT's improvements from OpenAI's prior models seem more incremental than incredible. University of Pennsylvania business professor Ethan Mollick 'I can say confidently that, while not perfect, this was a high-quality start that would have taken a team of MBAs a couple hours to work through,' Mollick noted. 'From one prompt.' OpenAI also said it has enhanced ChatGPT's voice mode to understand spoken conversations better. And OpenAI added that it For more day-to-day conversations, the chatbot's faux emotional tones are pretty convincing. I was conversing with ChatGPT about helping my mom with a recent injury. After the chatbot offered suggestions for making her house safer and lifting her spirits, I found myself tearing up when it added some advice for me. 'Remember to give yourself a bit of grace,' the app spoke out loud in a supportive and warm tone of voice. 'It's OK to feel worried. Sometimes just talking through those concerns with a friend, family member, or counselor can really lighten load.' Advertisement Pretty good advice, even from an AI. Aaron Pressman can be reached at
Boston Globe
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
‘Freaky Tales,' ‘Hard Knocks,' plus more new movies and TV shows to stream this weekend
Pedro Pascal in "Freaky Tales." Courtesy of Lionsgate 'Freaky Tales' If his 2025 films Available on HBO Max Advertisement 'The Monkey' Available on Hulu New TV shows now available to stream The latest season of "Hard Knocks" follows Josh Allen and the Bills during training camp. Courtesy of Associated Press 'Hard Knocks' He's no Available on HBO Max Advertisement 'Platonic' Seth Rogen continues to bring the laughs to Apple TV+, as 'The Studio' star is back for season 2 of his other hit show for the streamer, 'Platonic.' The series, which kicked off its new season this week, stars Rogen and Rose Byrne as best pals who've lost touch, but reconnect in time to help each other deal with their relationship troubles and midlife hiccups. The new season features 'Saturday Night Live' alums Aidy Bryant, Kyle Mooney, and Beck Bennett in recurring roles. Available on Apple TV+ Binge-worthy weekend TV pick "Common Side Effects" is available to stream on HBO Max. Courtesy of Adult Swim 'Common Side Effects' One of my favorite new shows of 2025, Adult Swim's thought-provoking series 'Common Side Effects' is streaming on HBO Max. Part action comedy, part conspiracy thriller, the beautifully animated show follows Marshall (Dave King), a poorly-dressed but kind-hearted guy, who discovers a mushroom that can cure all illnesses and even bring people back from the brink of death. However, his discovery catches the attention of Big Pharma, which wants to shut him down because the miracle fungus is bad for business. Mike Judge ( Available on HBO Max Movie night pick A Xenomorph in "Alien: Romulus." 20th Century Studios 'Alien' movie marathon Before FX's 'Alien: Earth' prequel show debuts next week, catch up on the space-faring horror franchise with a marathon of all the 'Alien' movies. From 1979's 'Alien' to last year's 'Alien: Romulus,' every movie from the series is currently streaming on Hulu (including the 'Alien vs. Predator' crossover movies). 2017's 'Alien: Covenant' is also streaming on HBO Max, in addition to Hulu. Advertisement Matt Juul is the assistant digital editor for the Living Arts team at the Boston Globe, with over a decade of experience covering arts and entertainment. Matt Juul can be reached at
Boston Globe
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Five reasons to check out Fan Expo Boston this weekend
Advertisement Party the night away at the Bard's Night Bash Guests with three-day, ultimate, VIP, or Saturday passes can access the Bard's Night Bash, a new event for 2025. Set for Saturday night, the special afterparty invites attendees to bring 'Dungeons & Dragons' vibes with fantasy attire and activities. The festivities will also include a DJ and drinks available for purchase. Get your game on Gamers will have plenty to do at the event, which includes an open gaming zone, where attendees can test their skills at titles like 'Mortal Kombat 1' and 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.' Fans can also check out the live 'Dungeons & Dragons' nights each evening, when several video game voice actors will play the tabletop adventure with help from the audience. Classic Japanese arcade games and a dedicated tabletop play zone will also be available throughout the weekend. Advertisement Step into the foam fighting arena Think you have Obi-Wan level dueling skills? Take part in epic (and safe) battles in the foam fighting arena throughout the weekend. Fan Expo Boston will have a dedicated space for attendees to face off using various padded weapons, available from open to close each day of the event. Just make sure you have the high ground! Explore free libraries Take a break from the action and kick back with a book from the event's Free Little Library. Located in the Book Nook, attendees can donate titles as well as pick up new stories to enjoy. If tastes range beyond traditional books, a manga library will be on hand as well, featuring a curated collection of the Japanese-style comics. Matt Juul can be reached at
Boston Globe
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Emmy Awards: Stream these 2025 nominees with Boston ties this weekend
From left: Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri in "The Bear." Chuck Hodes 'The Bear' A perennial awards-season darling, FX's anxiety-inducing dramedy 'The Bear' scored 13 nominations this year. Star and Dorchester native Meanwhile, costar Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who grew up in Amherst, was nominated for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for the third straight year, having previously won in the category at the 2023 and Available on Hulu Advertisement "Bill Burr: Drop Dead Years" is the latest one-hour special from the Canton comic. Koury Angelo/Disney 'Bill Burr: Drop Dead Years' Need a laugh this weekend? Stream Available on Hulu Jenny Slate as Nikki in "Dying for Sex." Sarah Shatz/FX 'Dying for Sex' The FX miniseries Available on Hulu Advertisement Julianne Nicholson in "Paradise." Brian Roedel/Disney 'Paradise' Hulu's post-apocalyptic drama 'Paradise' scored four nominations this year, including a nod for outstanding drama series. Star and Medford native Available on Hulu Uzo Aduba in "The Residence." Jessica Brooks/Netflix/JESSICA BROOKS/NETFLIX 'The Residence' Netflix's White House-set detective mystery 'The Residence' picked up four nominations, one of which went to Available on Netflix From left: Meghann Fahy and Milly Alcock in "Sirens." Macall Polay/Netflix/MACALL POLAY/NETFLIX 'Sirens' Netflix's star-studded limited series Available on Netflix Matt Juul is the assistant digital editor for the Living Arts team at the Boston Globe, with over a decade of experience covering arts and entertainment. Advertisement Matt Juul can be reached at
Boston Globe
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
2025 Emmy Awards: See the full list of nominees
While The show returns to the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles Sunday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m., broadcasting live on CBS and streaming live for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers (the awards will be available to stream on-demand the next day for Paramount+ Essential users). Advertisement Check back for live updates and see the full list of 2025 Emmy nominations as they are announced below. Outstanding Talk Series 'The Daily Show' 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' Outstanding Reality Competition Program 'The Amazing Race' 'RuPaul's Drag Race' 'Survivor' 'Top Chef' 'The Traitors' Advertisement Matt Juul can be reached at
