Hajra Naz
OpenAI has introduced a powerful new feature for ChatGPT that allows the AI to take actions on your behalf, marking a major step toward the future of automated digital assistants. Instead of manually jumping between apps or endlessly searching online, users could soon rely on smart agents to handle everyday digital tasks from start to finish.
This new capability, called agent mode, is rolling out immediately to ChatGPT users on Pro, Plus, and Team plans. It represents OpenAI’s push to transform ChatGPT from a conversational tool into a full-fledged personal assistant—one that not only understands your requests but follows through on them.
A Glimpse Into the Future of AI Assistants
With agent mode enabled, ChatGPT uses a built-in virtual computer to interpret complex commands and carry them out. This goes beyond just generating text—it can now “think” and “act” to complete multi-step tasks.
In practical terms, that means you can give instructions like
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“Check my calendar and brief me on upcoming meetings based on recent headlines.”
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“Plan and order groceries to cook a Japanese breakfast for four.”
In a demo video, OpenAI showcased how users could task the agent with preparing for an event like a wedding. The prompt included choosing outfits based on a dress code, finding hotel options, and managing dates around the event all handled by the AI in a single go.
This shows how serious OpenAI is about the AI race. Google is also working on its digital assistant, called Gemini. Apple is upgrading Siri to handle more complex tasks. But that update has been delayed.
Read More: Stop Immediately If You Are Using ChatGPT for Any of These 11 Things
Built on OpenAI’s Operator and Deep Research Tools
The agent mode builds on existing ChatGPT tools, such as Operator, which browses the web, and Deep Research, which pulls and analyzes information from online sources. These tools now work together to power a smarter assistant. It can help with tasks like planning and decision-making.
But OpenAI admits there are risks. The AI limits access to sensitive data. It also asks for user approval before doing personal or high-risk actions, like sending emails. It’s also programmed to decline dangerous tasks like initiating financial transfers for safety reasons.
Use With Caution, Says OpenAI CEO
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described the rollout as experimental and urged users to be thoughtful about how they use it. “I’d tell my own family that this is cutting edge and exciting a glimpse of what’s coming but not something I’d trust yet with deeply personal or high-stakes tasks,” he shared on X.
For instance, letting the AI access your calendar to organize a group dinner might be useful. However, asking it to buy clothes online doesn’t require the same level of access, and users should be mindful of what permissions they grant.
Big Tech’s Race for the Ultimate AI Agent
This announcement comes as major tech companies intensify their efforts to be first in the race for true AI assistants. At Google I/O in May, the company unveiled new agent tools that can book restaurants, purchase event tickets, and perform other tasks. Apple is reportedly working behind the scenes on a revamped Siri, with deeper app integration and automation capabilities.
With each update, the line between chatbot and digital assistant gets thinner, and OpenAI is working to stay ahead.
