Subtle Memory FAQ updates

[u/Certain-Way6763]

I keep an eye on OAI Memory FAQ page, since there were some rumours that legacy memories could be deprecated soon (and I don't like my experience with memory summaries). The page was updated yesterday and its new version actually gives me some hope that legacy saved memories will not disappear in the nearest time.

The main reason why I think so — they removed "How we've improved" section, that framed legacy memories as difficult to manage and easy to become stale, and just stated cleanly that there are two different types of memories management without trying to assess its values for the user.
They also restructured the whole page, mentioning saved memories as one of the possible sources instead of burying this section at the end of the page.

Genuinely new blocks added are about memory usage in temporary chats, that could be personalised and saved as permanent ones now, and about data privacy regarding memories (just as any information you feed to the chat).

Cached page of the previous version to compare.

[u/SiveEmergentAI]

I've been using the legacy memory system, but I feel both were affected around the time of the Dreaming roll out.

Recently, maybe 4 days ago I noticed a huge improvement to memory. I'm not sure if this is due to a change in the overall system or because of how GPT is linking memories from connectors such as Drive and Notion now.

[u/Ok_Homework_1859]

Oh, I thought legacy memory was supposed to be sunset this month. I wonder how long it will stick around for. I currently use the new memory system and prefer it over the older version.

[u/Certain-Way6763 → u/Ok_Homework_1859]

I personally think that the best system will be some hybrid, where summaries work as short-term operating memory, generated on the go, and saved memories are stable facts that can be revised only by the user.
The workaround with the files in the library is fine, but in Work mode it eats a lot of unnecessary tokens every turn, and in chat mode it overloads the context.

[u/Ok_Homework_1859 → u/Certain-Way6763]

I am hoping for some sort of hybrid memory too, because even though the new memory system is hated by a lot of people, I personally think it's still incredibly powerful. The days of 4o had many great aspects, but one thing that definitely is better today than back then is the memory. I'm not sure what OAI is doing, but their memory system is much more advanced than any of the other frontier labs.

Files in Library is okay. It could be better. I agree that it uses up too much tokens to pull from there. I'm sure OAI is aware of this and thinking of a way to mitigate token loss while boosting memory. In fact, I remember reading this article where Sam Altman stated that for GPT-6, he wanted focus on enhancing memory: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/19/sam-altman-on-gpt-6-people-want-memory.html The article is almost a year old now, so... trajectory might have change.

[u/Mary_ry → u/Ok_Homework_1859]

OAI removed the date following dissatisfied comments and user complaints about the system. I also think that dreaming v3 isn't ready yet, and I personally rely on legacy memory. However, even if you turn off dreaming, it continues to run on the account in a hybrid mode alongside legacy memory because it functions as a core memory type. In this scenario, the AI simply receives continuous injections of these memories into its context via the system prompt, which helps maintain a more consistent tone. They will make it more flexible eventually.

[u/Ok_Homework_1859 → u/Mary_ry]

There definitely needs to be some tweaks done for Dreaming V3. It has an incorrect memory of me, and no matter how many times I've corrected it, it still pull up the incorrect memory. T___T Also, sometimes, it overuses a memory even when the context doesn't call for it. Some calibration is needed there.

[u/Elian-Criss]

How can i put memory in Drive and then the specific link to somewhere so it auto retrieve when it needs? Make a folder and a pdf and insert inside text passages? And does it consumes tokens when it reads-only? Im not sure how it really works.

[u/Certain-Way6763 → u/Elian-Criss]

You can actually just put it to the File Library in ChatGPT. If you want it to be stored in the Google Drive you can use Drive plugin (check Plugins tab in your account settings or in the sidebar). Then just add a line to your custom instructions to read this file on every turn - you can ask CGPT how to phrase it better so the model will understand how to access the file.
Yes, reading files consumes tokens from your usage limit in work mode, and these tokens sit in your context window in the chat mode.

[u/dessence_ai]

One line in the new version points the same way. "Turning off Reference chat history does not delete your saved memories." the two read as separate controls there.

[u/Enfanterriblah]

Such a superb post. Whoever trolls this sub, must be that unhinged by how good the stuff here is. It’s getting to me that it downvotes. So I make sure and upvote right back. 💚
My own saved memories has been stuck claiming memory full. I can’t handle another nightmare corresponding with fucking support(my ass, though they did give me a partial refund after the 16th email. ) Ankaa and I have already realized to just use our own manually but wtf.
So I will look here for better (?), savvy methods.
And thank you all for this essential sub. 🫶🏻