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OpenAI hostname hints at a new ChatGPT feature codenamed "Sonata"

Recorded: Jan. 19, 2026, 11:04 a.m.

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OpenAI hostname hints at a new ChatGPT feature codenamed "Sonata"

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HomeNewsArtificial IntelligenceOpenAI hostname hints at a new ChatGPT feature codenamed "Sonata"

OpenAI hostname hints at a new ChatGPT feature codenamed "Sonata"

By Mayank Parmar

January 18, 2026
08:47 PM
0

OpenAI is reportedly testing a new feature or product codenamed "Sonata," and it could be related to music or audio-related experiences on ChatGPT.
As spotted by Tibor on X, there are fresh OpenAI-related hostnames spotted recently.
The first is sonata.openai.com (dated 2026-01-16) and sonata.api.openai.com (dated 2026-01-15).

This means OpenAI (or its infrastructure) has started using a new subdomain, “sonata,” on both its main domain and its API domain.
A new hostname means OpenAI is testing a new service. OpenAI hostnames often point to a web-facing product page, internal tool, or a web app.
The codename is "sonata," which refers to a multi-movement instrumental music composition. However,  it can refer to other things too (like a car model, a company name, or a drug brand).
This is a good reminder that a codename doesn’t tell you what the feature is.
Recently, ChatGPT gained a new feature that makes it possible to reliably find specific chat details.
"When reference chat history is enabled, ChatGPT can now more reliably find specific details from your past chats when you ask," OpenAI confirmed in updated release notes.
Any past chat used to answer your question now appears as a source, so you can open and review the original context.
OpenAI is also improving dictation capabilities in ChatGPT for all logged-in users.

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Mayank Parmar
Mayank Parmar is an technology entrepreneur who is currently pursuing an MBA. At BleepingComputer, he covers technology news with a strong focus on Microsoft and Windows-related stories. He is always poking under the hood of Windows, looking for the latest secrets to reveal.

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OpenAI has recently been associated with the discovery of new hostnames, specifically *sonata.openai.com* and *sonata.api.openai.com*, which suggest the development of a potential new feature or product codenamed “Sonata.” These domain names, noted by a user named Tibor on X (formerly Twitter), were registered on January 15 and 16, 2026, respectively. The appearance of these subdomains indicates that OpenAI is likely testing a service or application linked to this codename. While the exact nature of “Sonata” remains unclear, the name itself—derived from a musical composition featuring multiple movements—has led to speculation that it could involve audio or music-related functionalities within ChatGPT. However, the article emphasizes that codenames do not always reveal the true purpose of a project, as they can refer to unrelated concepts such as car models, company names, or pharmaceutical products. This ambiguity underscores the need for further confirmation before drawing definitive conclusions about the feature’s scope or capabilities.

The article also highlights recent updates to ChatGPT, including improvements in reference chat history and dictation functionality. OpenAI has confirmed that enabling reference chat history allows the model to more reliably retrieve specific details from past conversations, with relevant chats appearing as sources for users to review. Additionally, dictation capabilities have been enhanced for all logged-in users, suggesting ongoing efforts to refine user interaction with the platform. These updates align with OpenAI’s broader strategy of improving ChatGPT’s utility and reliability, particularly in contexts where accessing historical data or natural language input is critical. The mention of these features provides context for understanding how “Sonata” might fit into OpenAI’s roadmap, though no direct connection is explicitly stated.

The article’s author, Mayank Parmar, a technology entrepreneur and MBA student, focuses on Microsoft and Windows-related news at BleepingComputer. His coverage of OpenAI’s developments reflects a broader trend in tech journalism, where domain name activity and codename leaks are often interpreted as indicators of future product directions. Parmar’s analysis situates the “Sonata” discovery within a larger narrative of OpenAI’s iterative improvements to ChatGPT, such as the recent rollout of the ChatGPT Go subscription model and the introduction of cross-platform features codenamed “Agora.” These examples illustrate how OpenAI frequently uses internal codenames to describe projects in development, with the actual features often diverging from the initial conceptual associations of their names.

While the article does not provide direct evidence of what “Sonata” entails, it raises questions about OpenAI’s potential expansion into audio or multimedia domains. The use of a musical term as a codename could signal an effort to integrate advanced audio processing, voice synthesis, or music generation tools into ChatGPT. Alternatively, “Sonata” might refer to a more abstract feature, such as enhanced contextual understanding or multi-layered interaction models. The lack of concrete details means that any interpretation remains speculative, but the registration of dedicated hostnames suggests a level of commitment to the project. OpenAI’s infrastructure typically uses such domains for web-facing products, internal tools, or applications, implying that “Sonata” could be a standalone service or an integrated component of ChatGPT’s ecosystem.

The article also touches on the broader implications of OpenAI’s testing activities, particularly in relation to how companies like Microsoft and other tech giants monitor and respond to such developments. For instance, the recent focus on OpenAI’s leak of potential ChatGPT features highlights the competitive landscape in which these companies operate, where even minor hints about upcoming capabilities can generate significant attention. Parmar’s reporting aligns with this dynamic, emphasizing the importance of domain name monitoring as a method for tracking innovation in real time. This approach is common in cybersecurity and tech journalism, where early indicators of new services or products can provide insights into industry trends.

In addition to the technical details, the article includes references to other recent developments in the tech sector, such as Microsoft’s Windows updates addressing shutdown and Cloud PC issues, as well as security vulnerabilities in Fortinet and Cisco products. These mentions serve to contextualize OpenAI’s activities within a wider ecosystem of technological advancements and challenges. However, they also highlight the fragmented nature of information in the tech industry, where updates to one platform or service often coexist with unrelated developments elsewhere. This complexity underscores the need for careful analysis when interpreting leaks or codename disclosures, as they may not always reflect immediate priorities or capabilities.

The piece concludes with a note on OpenAI’s ongoing efforts to refine ChatGPT’s functionality, including the integration of features like reference chat history and improved dictation. These updates are framed as part of a broader push to enhance user experience, particularly for those who rely on ChatGPT for complex tasks requiring access to past interactions or seamless voice input. While the article does not explicitly link these improvements to “Sonata,” it suggests that OpenAI is continuously iterating on its core product, with new features often emerging from internal testing phases. This iterative approach is characteristic of tech companies that prioritize experimentation and user feedback, allowing them to refine their offerings before public release.

Overall, the article provides a concise yet informative overview of OpenAI’s recent activities, focusing on the discovery of “Sonata” as a potential new feature. By examining domain name registrations, codename speculation, and recent ChatGPT updates, the piece offers a balanced perspective on what might be an early stage of development. While the lack of definitive details means that the true nature of “Sonata” remains uncertain, the article effectively positions it as part of OpenAI’s ongoing innovation cycle. For readers, this summary serves as a reminder of the dynamic and often opaque nature of tech development, where even minor clues can spark significant interest and speculation.