The project had been known for several months under the code name “Operator“. OpenAI has finally officially unveiled its mysterious new tool, presenting its first AI agent capable of performing concrete tasks on a computer. An additional step in the use of AI, which could change everything for users.
Operator, the AI that works for you
Until now, it was impossible for ChatGPT to run tasks on your computer. A fundamental difference with Operator, also based on the GPT-4o language model, but capable of carry out several actions in total autonomysuch as browsing the web, filling out forms or interacting with unfamiliar interfaces, like a human user.
The uniqueness of Operator lies in its information processing process. Thanks to his model Computer-Using Agent (CUA), the OpenAI tool can in fact break down complex tasks into simple steps, and directly analyze the pixels on the screen to understand what is displayed on a given interface, without specific APIs. More concretely, Operator will be able to directly control your mouse to use the computer for you, and perform a certain number of actions.
Very concrete uses
On paper, OpenAI's new toy looks like the start of an episode of Black Mirror. On a daily basis, however, it could enable very real uses, particularly on automation of tedious tasks. We can imagine using it to send emails for us, take screenshots, compress images, save PDFs, reserve a restaurant online and even schedule a grocery delivery… all of these simple tasks can then be combined to carry out more complex missions.
-The only flaw: if Operator already promises to surpass the competition in terms of AI agent, its use will remain limited to use via browser and will require a premium subscription at $200 per month. On the security side, however, OpenAI wants to be reassuring. There will be no question of completely handing over control to artificial intelligence, since human confirmations will be necessary each time an action involves consequences external to the host machine.
The age of AI is coming
This step marks a decisive turning point for AI. The arrival of autonomous agents capable of carrying out repetitive or tedious tasks for us suggests a new management of working timewhere humans will focus on activities with high added value, while artificial intelligence will be tasked with managing those that can be easily automated. Be careful, however, not to get carried away too quickly: the technology is still in its infancy, and may only become established among the general public within several years.
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