Operator isn't worth its $200-per-month ChatGPT Pro subscription yet - here's why
Jan 24, 2025 - zdnet.com
OpenAI has introduced a research preview called Operator, an AI agent that simulates keyboard and mouse clicks in a browser to perform tasks by reading the screen directly. Operator is currently available to Pro account users, with plans to extend access to Plus plan users. The AI agent operates by viewing live web pages in a cloud-based browser, mimicking human interactions like searching and clicking. OpenAI has partnered with several websites, such as Instacart and DoorDash, to demonstrate Operator's capabilities, which include tasks like populating a shopping cart or making reservations. However, the scope of Operator's abilities remains limited, and its effectiveness on non-partnered sites is unclear.
Operator includes privacy measures and guardrails, pausing for human intervention during sensitive operations like spending money or logging in. Users can also create site-specific custom instructions and save tasks for future use. Despite its current limitations, Operator represents a step towards more advanced AI-driven web interactions. The article raises concerns about the potential risks of allowing AI to navigate the internet autonomously but acknowledges the potential for Operator to handle more complex tasks in the future.
Key takeaways:
OpenAI's Operator is an AI agent that simulates keyboard and mouse clicks in a browser, reading the screen and performing actions.
Operator uses a computing-using agent (CUA) model to interact with websites, viewing live web pages in a cloud-based browser.
Operator includes privacy and guardrail features, pausing for human intervention during sensitive operations like spending money or logging in.
Operator allows for site-specific custom instructions and task scheduling, but its capabilities are currently limited to simpler tasks.
