On May 15, OpenAI announced the launch of mobile Codex functionality within its ChatGPT app, enabling users to remotely control an AI coding agent running on their computers via smartphone. This update introduces a dedicated Codex tab in the ChatGPT app, allowing users to send instructions to Codex, initiate new projects, monitor active work threads, review agent outputs, approve executed commands, and switch models—all directly from their phones. However, users cannot write code directly on the device; computations continue to run remotely on the user's computer or Mac Mini. The feature addresses a recent tech trend known as "half-open laptop" culture. Following widespread adoption of AI coding tools, many enthusiasts of "vibe coding"—a term describing programming driven by intuition rather than meticulous planning—have been seen carrying partially closed laptops around offices, schools, and even ice rinks to ensure locally hosted Codex agents remain operational. This practice has quickly become an inside joke among programmer communities. Prior to the official release, OpenAI’s verified developer account shared a humorous video on platform X depicting multiple laptops kept just barely ajar to maintain operation. The accompanying caption read: "Leave your laptop behind; build projects with Codex using your phone." Posted on May 14, this followed earlier teasers such as "Those who know will understand—we might have something big coming up 👀," which served as promotional buildup. As AI agents take on increasingly long-duration tasks, OpenAI noted in its blog post that "a new rhythm of collaboration is emerging—you need the ability to answer questions anytime, inspect Codex discoveries, adjust direction, approve next steps, or contribute fresh ideas at any moment."