ChatGPT’s new Operator mode is its first step towards becoming an AI agent – a new type of AI tool that carries out far more complex tasks without the need for human intervention.
But what exactly can it do?
Currently, in preview mode, the latest upgrade to ChatGPT works by combining the GPT4o reasoning model with computer vision capabilities. This lets it “see” and interact with anything on a screen.
It does this with the help of a built-in web browser, and after telling it what we want it to do, you can just sit back and watch as it moves the mouse, presses buttons and inputs text.
So what can it do? Well, just from playing around with it, it’s evident that it is still at an early stage of development. Nevertheless, it has some impressive tricks up its sleeve.
Here’s an overview of some of the tasks I’ve seen it perform so far, as well as a look ahead to what this could mean for the future of “agentic” AI.
How To Access ChatGPT Operator?
First off, ChatGPT Operator is only available in the US right now and only to users who’ve taken out the $200-per-month Pro subscription.
This probably won’t always be the case – ChatGPT creators OpenAI tend to roll out new features to small groups such as Pro users first before opening them up to a broader audience.
But if you are lucky enough to meet those criteria, then you should be good to go. Simply head to operator.chatgpt.com to get started.
Things To Do With Operator
Operator is designed to carry out more complex, multi-step tasks than is possible using standard ChatGPT. It’s capable of carrying out up to three of these tasks at the same time.
While it’s designed to be autonomous, there are times when it will have to hand control back to you – for example, to log into websites or to solve CAPTCHA challenges.
One really useful feature is integrations. These are instructions on using specific sites or services, such as Airbnb or OpenTable, so Operator doesn’t have to learn how to use them from scratch every time it comes across them. Since these integrations are created using natural language prompts, businesses can easily develop and share their own with customers.
Here are some of the things it can already do:
Find And Book Accommodation Through Airbnb
Tell it to head to Airbnb to find a room based on your preferences, and it will search options, check reviews, and ensure you’re happy with its choice before going ahead with the booking.
Sample prompt: “Find an Airbnb room in [destination] from [check-in date] to [check-out date] for [number of guests]. Prioritize properties with good reviews, Wi-Fi, and amenities like [list preferred amenities, e.g., kitchen, balcony, pet-friendly]. Ensure the location is close to [landmarks or areas, if important]. Confirm availability and details before booking.”
Make Restaurant Reservations
Operator integrates with OpenTable and can scan services like TripAdvisor to research and book restaurant reservations.
Sample prompt: “Find a highly-rated restaurant near [location or city name] that serves [preferred cuisine or dietary preferences, e.g., Italian, vegan-friendly]. Book a table for [number of people] on [date] at [time]. Ensure the restaurant has good reviews and confirm the reservation before finalizing.”
Book Tickets To An Event
Want to watch live music or sports or take in a show? Operator will browse events directories and integrate directly with StubHub to find the best seats at the best prices.
Sample prompt: “Search for events happening near [your location] on [specific date or date range, e.g., February 10th or next weekend]. Include concerts, theater shows, festivals, or anything unique and interesting. List options with event details, times, and ticket prices. Once I choose one, book the tickets for [number of people] and confirm the booking.”
Plan And Shop For Meals
Not only will Operator plan your menu, but it will integrate with Instacart to order the ingredients and have them delivered to your door.
Sample Prompt: “Plan meals for a family of [number of people] for a week (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Take into account the following dietary requirements: [list requirements, e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian, nut-free, low-carb]. Include a mix of healthy and family-friendly recipes. Once planned, order the ingredients online and ensure delivery is scheduled for [preferred delivery date and time]. I already have [insert staples, e.g., milk, sugar, flour], so you don’t need to order them.”
Update Or Make Changes To A Website
How about something more challenging? From uploading blog pages to changing design elements and generating entirely new content, Operator can integrate with no-code building platforms like Wix to get the job done. While building an entire site from the ground up might be a little taxing (at the moment), it can carry out routine maintenance, design tweaks and updates with relative ease.
Sample Prompt: “Edit the website [website URL or description of the page] to update the following: [describe what you want to be changed]. Log into [insert no-code service, e.g., Wix] to make the changes. Ensure the design remains consistent and user-friendly. Once edits are made, show me the final result for review.”
The Start Of Something Big?
Although it’s early days, I believe that Operator could mark the start of a new chapter in the history of AI. Possibly even a change in the fundamental relationship between humans and machines.
Agentic AI is the first step towards the creation of truly autonomous thinking machines that can act as assistants to us in all fields of life.
Some believe it’s a step towards artificial general intelligence (AGI) – the “holy grail” of AI where machines can learn just like we do in order to perform tasks beyond those they’ve been programmed for.
The arrival of ChatGPT just two short years ago marked a watershed moment for AI. Now, the arrival of agentic AI marks another – and I’m just as confident it’s going to change the world in ways that are hard to imagine today.
