OpenAI has just introduced Operator, a product that promises to make waves in 2025. In short, Operator is an AI capable of performing tasks for you independently.
Because it was only recently launched, the company describes it as a research breakthrough and notes that it is still experimental. They advise caution in these first few months, as the product may have limitations and evolve based on user feedback.
How does operator work?
Operator can “see” (through screenshots) and “interact” (using all the actions a mouse and keyboard allow) with a browser, enabling it to act on the web without the need for major technical resources.
If it encounters difficulties or makes mistakes, Operator can use its reasoning capabilities to self-correct. When it gets stuck and needs help, it simply hands control back to the user, ensuring a smooth and collaborative experience.
All you need to do is describe the task you want to perform, and Operator will handle the rest. Users can choose to take control of the remote browser at any time. Operator is trained to proactively ask users to take over in situations requiring logins, payment details, or when faced with CAPTCHAs.
How to use operator
Sam Altman and his team demonstrated how Operator works. One of its main functions is to automate your routine and speed up tasks you perform frequently, such as online shopping or making restaurant reservations for lunch or dinner.
Users can customize their workflows in Operator by adding personalized instructions—either for all sites or for specific ones—such as setting airline or lodging preferences. Operator allows users to save quick-access instructions on the homepage, an ideal setup for repeated tasks like monthly grocery shopping. Much like using multiple tabs in a browser, users can have Operator run several tasks simultaneously by creating new conversations.
Another major feature of Operator is that it comes with its own browser, so there’s no need to install additional software on your computer or add browser extensions.
However, it looks like those in Spain (and elsewhere in Europe) will have to wait a while before they can use it. For now, it is only available for ChatGPT Pro users—the $200-a-month product—and only in the United States. Operator will be gradually introduced to Plus, Team, and Enterprise users, and these capabilities will be integrated into ChatGPT in the future. The company has also indicated it will take some time before Operator reaches Europe, possibly to ensure it aligns with European Union regulations.
If you happen to be one of the lucky readers on the other side of the Atlantic with ChatGPT’s premium service, OpenAI has made a preliminary version available at operator.chatgpt.com.
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