01What Codex 2.0 Is and How It Works
Codex 2.0 is an update to the Codex app from OpenAI that lets you automate almost anything on your computer. Think of it as a super app inside ChatGPT. You tell it what you want to build or edit, and it uses AI agents to do the work for you.
In this episode, Julian Goldie shows how it can open apps, type into them, and even run multiple agents at the same time.
The app works by connecting to your computer's files and apps. It can use your mouse and keyboard to click and type. It also has skills like brainstorming, front-end design, and back-end design.
When you give it a task, it picks the right skills and gets started. You can watch its progress in the chat window.
02Main Features in the Codex 2.0 Update
The Codex 2.0 update brings several new features that make automation easier. Here are the main ones:
- Computer use – It can control apps outside your browser, like the Calculator app. It clicks and types with its own cursor.
- Multiple parallel agents – You can run several AI agents at once. For example, one agent builds an app while another talks to Hermes in the terminal.
- Background automations – Set up tasks that run even when you are not looking at the app. They work in the background.
- In-app browser – The app has its own built-in browser for testing projects. You can preview apps directly inside Codex.
- PDF and spreadsheet management – The update improves how Codex handles documents and data files.
- Image generation – You can create images using GPT Image 5.1.
03How to Set Up Codex 2.0 Step by Step
- Open the Codex app on your Mac. You will see a list of folders for different projects.
- Add a new project by clicking “Add a new chat” or “New project.” A new folder will be created.
- Choose your permissions. You can give full access to your whole computer or limit it to one folder. Julian recommends using folder-level permissions for safety.
- Select the folder where Codex will work. This keeps your files organized.
- Pick a model – for example, GPT 5.4, GPT 5.2, or GPT 5.3 Codex. You can also set the reasoning level.
- Optionally, turn on “Always on background” for automations that run without your supervision.
- Start your task by typing what you want. For instance, “Create a beautiful productivity app that is fun to use.”
04Using Codex 2.0 to Build Apps and Automate Tasks
Julian shows several examples of how to use Codex 2.0. First, he asks it to build a productivity app. He types, “Create a beautiful productivity app that's fun, interesting to use.” The app starts building it right away.
On the right side of the screen, you can see artifacts, progress updates, and the sources – which skills are being used, like brainstorming and front-end design.
Next, he tests computer use. He asks Codex to open the Calculator app. It asks for permission, and after Julian clicks “Yes,” the calculator opens in about 12 seconds.
Then he says, “Type in a fun word on the calculator.” Codex obtains permission again and types into the calculator. The whole process takes only a few seconds.
He also tries to use Hermes inside the terminal. He sets up two parallel agents – one builds the productivity app, the other talks to Hermes. In the terminal, Hermes runs an interactive prompt ready for output.
Julian asks, “Can you talk about life to Hermes?” and the agent begins a conversation.
05Results and Limitations Julian Found During Testing
Julian notes that Codex 2.0 creates much better designs than the previous version. The preview of the productivity app looks sleek and the UI is improved. He says, “The design has improved a lot since I last used it.” However, he also finds limits.
Codex struggles to click inside the app it just built. It cannot use the in-app browser to test the app in this session – it refused the request.
He also tries to make Codex use Chrome, but it cannot operate directly inside Chrome. Julian thinks there might be a special setup needed for that. He compares Codex 2.0 to Cloud Code Desktop App and says, “Would I say I prefer it versus Cloud Code desktop app?
No.” But he adds, “It's definitely better than it was.” Overall, the computer use works well for simple apps like Calculator but not for more complex browser tasks.
06Tips, Limits and Mistakes to Avoid with Codex 2.0
Based on Julian's testing, here are key tips and warnings. Always check your permissions. Full access lets Codex control your whole computer – that is powerful but risky.
Use folder-level permissions unless you trust the task fully. Another limit: Codex cannot yet operate browsers like Chrome directly. If you need browser automation, you may need extra setup or use the in-app browser – though that also had issues in Julian's test.
Parallel agents work great, but they can slow down if you give too many tasks at once. Start with one or two agents. Also, be patient with the permission prompts – every time you want Codex to control an app, you must approve it.
This can be annoying but keeps you safe. Finally, do not expect Codex to click inside apps it builds automatically. You might need to test those manually or find a workaround.
07Who Should Use Codex 2.0 and Why It Matters
Codex 2.0 is for anyone who wants to automate repetitive computer tasks without coding. If you are a business owner, a marketer, or a content creator, this tool can save you hours. You can build simple apps, manage documents, and run background automations.
In this episode, Julian shows how it can open apps and type for you – tasks that used to require manual work.
Why does it matter? Because it makes AI agents practical for everyday use. You do not need to be a programmer.
You just tell Codex what you want, and it does the clicking and typing. As Julian says, “It's a really cool way to operate this.” For people who want to scale their work, Codex 2.0 is a step toward that. If you want deeper training, Julian invites you to join the AI Profit Board community at aiprofitboard.com.
