OpenAI has launched a new feature for its ChatGPT platform, allowing the chatbot to perform complex tasks such as online shopping and creating presentation drafts.

The feature, called ChatGPT agent, was introduced during a livestream event and is currently available to Pro, Plus, and Team subscribers.

OpenAI plans to extend access to enterprise and education customers later this summer.

This tool combines functions from OpenAI’s previous services, Operator and Deep Research, enabling the chatbot to browse the internet, type, click, and perform detailed online research.

OpenAI said that the agent includes safeguards to reduce risks, such as refusing financial or legal tasks and requiring user permission for certain actions, like making purchases.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ AI agent race intensifies as major tech companies compete for market dominance

OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT agent capabilities follows similar moves by its competitors in what industry experts are calling an “agent race” among leading AI companies.

Anthropic has developed a competing system called Computer Use based on their Claude 3.5 Sonnet model, which offers a customizable environment emphasizing flexibility for developers 1.

Amazon has also entered this competitive space with Nova Act, a new AI model allowing developers to build autonomous agents capable of performing multi-step tasks similar to OpenAI’s offering 2.

This competition highlights a strategic shift in how tech companies are positioning AI, moving beyond simple text and image generation toward systems that can independently navigate digital environments and complete complex tasks without constant supervision.

The different technical approaches are notable: OpenAI’s system excels in standalone online tasks while Anthropic’s performs better for desktop interactions according to comparative benchmarks 1.

The high stakes of this competition are reflected in pricing strategies, with OpenAI’s earlier Operator system reportedly priced at $200 monthly, suggesting these advanced agent capabilities command premium positioning in the market 3.

2️⃣ The evolution from reactive assistants to proactive agents represents a fundamental AI shift

ChatGPT’s new agent capabilities represent a fundamental transition in AI development from reactive assistants to proactive agents, a distinction with significant implications for users.

Recent OpenAI developments