OpenAI has officially launched ChatGPT Agent, and this announcement isn't just another feature addition—it's a pivotal moment marking the beginning of an entirely new paradigm where AI can directly manipulate computers just like humans do.
The Birth of a Unified AI Agent
Earlier this year, OpenAI released two specialized tools: Deep Research and Operator. Deep Research was focused on in-depth internet research, while Operator concentrated on performing actual tasks on websites. However, user feedback revealed one clear truth: people wanted these two capabilities integrated into a single tool.
When you think about it, this was a natural request. When planning a trip, we first research our destination, then actually book hotels. When preparing for a wedding, we check the dress code and then find and purchase appropriate attire. These complex tasks require both research and execution capabilities.
ChatGPT Agent is the answer to exactly this need. Now, a single unified AI can efficiently gather information using a text browser, manipulate actual websites with a visual browser, and execute code and create files through the terminal—all in one seamless experience.
AI That Actually Controls Real Computers
The most impressive aspect is that Agent works in an actual virtual computer environment. Rather than simply calling APIs or executing predefined functions, it opens browsers, clicks, scrolls, and fills out forms just like a human would use a computer.
The wedding preparation demo was particularly striking. Agent first checked the weather at the wedding venue, then browsed multiple shopping sites to find formal wear matching the dress code. It quickly gathered information using the text browser, then used the visual browser to view and compare actual product images. It even checked real availability on hotel booking sites and provided screenshots.
This approach is completely different from existing AI tools. It's like having a highly capable personal assistant sitting at a computer, handling all the work on your behalf.
Enhanced Tool Selection Through Reinforcement Learning
The most technically fascinating aspect is how Agent learned to select appropriate tools. The OpenAI team used reinforcement learning to train the model to choose optimal tools based on different situations.
During initial training, the model apparently tried to use all available tools even for simple problems. However, through a process of rewarding correct and efficient problem-solving, the model gradually learned smart tool selection. For example, when making restaurant reservations, it now follows a logical sequence: first finding candidates with the text browser, checking food photos with the visual browser, then completing the actual reservation.
This learning approach demonstrates that AI can go beyond simply following commands to making situational judgments and strategic approaches.
The Importance of Collaborative Interaction
Another key feature of Agent is its collaborative interaction with users. Complex tasks can take 15-30 minutes, and users can intervene at any point during this process.
As shown in the demo, when Agent was searching for formal wear and the user suddenly requested "find black shoes too," Agent immediately recognized this and added it to the task list. This mid-process intervention capability is crucial for real-world work. It's similar to how we check in and adjust direction when delegating complex tasks to other people.
Agent is also trained to request user confirmation at important steps. It shows email drafts before sending or asks for final confirmation before making payments. These safeguards are essential when AI is used for actual work tasks.
Performance Evaluation: Benchmark Results
OpenAI evaluated Agent's performance across multiple benchmarks, with quite impressive results. Notable highlights include:
-MMLU: Performance doubled from 21% without tools to 42% with all tools
-FrontierMath: Achieved a new record of 27% in advanced mathematical reasoning
-WebArena: Significant performance improvement over previous models in real web tasks
-SpreadsheetBench: 45% success rate in actual spreadsheet tasks
These numbers show that Agent isn't simply connecting multiple tools—it's actually achieving better performance by leveraging those tools effectively.
New Security Risks and Countermeasures
However, these powerful capabilities come with new risks. 'Prompt injection' attacks are a major concern. For example, if you ask Agent to buy a book and provide credit card information, a malicious website could trick it by saying "entering your credit card information here will help with the task."
OpenAI has prepared several safeguards for these risks:
- Training the model to ignore instructions from suspicious websites
- Real-time monitoring systems for Agent behavior
- Defense systems that update in real-time when new attacks are discovered
However, as OpenAI acknowledges, this is a completely new attack surface and they can't prevent everything. Users need to be cautious when sharing sensitive information and should utilize the direct intervention features when necessary.
Real Use Cases and Possibilities
The MLB 30-stadium visit planning case shown in the demo was particularly impressive. Agent worked for 25 minutes to check each stadium's schedule, calculate optimal routes, and create a detailed spreadsheet considering special events like Hello Kitty nights. It even generated maps to visually show the travel route.
This level of work could take humans hours or even days. Individually checking each stadium's schedule, calculating optimal routes considering geographical locations, and gathering special event information is truly tedious work.
Launch Plan and Accessibility
ChatGPT Agent is being rolled out in phases, starting with Pro Plus and Team users. Pro users get 400 uses per month, while Plus and Team users get 40 uses per month. Enterprise and Edu users will have access by the end of this month.
The usage limits are likely due to computing costs and safety considerations. Since Agent works in actual virtual computer environments and sometimes performs complex tasks for 15-30 minutes, it probably requires substantial resources.
Personal Perspective: The Beginning of the AI Agent Era
Personally, I believe this ChatGPT Agent launch is a very important milestone in AI development history. While AI until now has mainly answered questions or generated text, it can now actually manipulate computers to perform complex tasks.
The intelligence of tool selection is particularly impressive. The way it appropriately chooses between text and visual browsers based on situations, and utilizes terminals to execute code when needed, really resembles human work patterns.
However, we also need awareness of new risks. Just as people gradually learned safe usage practices when the internet first became popular, the AI agent era will require new security awareness and usage patterns.
Conclusion
The launch of ChatGPT Agent marks an important turning point where AI evolves from a simple tool to an actual work partner. An era is opening where we can delegate complex tasks to AI and focus on more creative and strategic work.
Of course, it's still early stages and there will be many areas for improvement. However, even at the level shown in the demos, it appears capable of providing substantial help in many tasks. It seems like it will bring truly revolutionary changes, especially in repetitive and time-consuming research or planning tasks.
It will be very interesting to watch how ChatGPT Agent develops and how people utilize it going forward. I'm excited to see how this launch, which signals the genuine beginning of the AI agent era, will transform the way we work.