OpenAI's Operator: A Promising but Imperfect AI Agent

How helpful is Operator, OpenAI's new AI agent?

Operator gives users the ability to direct an AI agent that can use a web browser, fill out forms and take other actions on a user's behalf.In the past week, OpenAI's Operator has done the following things for me: Ordered me a new ice cream scoop on Amazon. Bought me a new domain name and configured its settings. Booked a Valentine's Day date for me and my wife. Scheduled a haircut. It did these tasks mostly autonomously, although I did have to nudge it along from time to time and occasionally rescue it from a loop of failed attempts. If you're just catching up -- or if you've been distracted by the DeepSeek news this past week, which has overshadowed all other artificial intelligence news -- Operator is a new so-called AI agent released January 23 by OpenAI. The tool, which was billed as a "research preview," is only available to people who pay $200 a month for the company's highest subscription tier, ChatGPT Pro. It gives users the ability to direct an AI agent that can use a web browser, fill out forms and take other actions on a user's behalf. AI agents are all the rage in Silicon Valley right now. Some industry insiders think they're the next big step in AI capabilities, because an AI agent that can use a computer can actually accomplish valuable real-world tasks rather than just provide assistance. Many of the leading AI companies, including Google and Anthropic, are testing autonomous agents that they claim companies will eventually be able to "hire" as full-fledged workers. I upgraded my ChatGPT subscription to put Operator through its paces and see what an AI agent could do for me. On the surface, Operator looks a bit like regular ChatGPT, except that when you give it a job -- "Buy me a 30-pound bag of dog food on Amazon," for example -- Operator opens a miniature browser window, types "Amazon.com" into the address bar and starts clicking around, trying to follow your instructions. It might ask a few clarifying questions. (Do you want chicken-flavored or beef-flavored food? Overnight shipping or two-day?) Then, once it's feeling confident it has made the right choice, Operator prompts you for a final confirmation, puts the dog food in your cart and places the order. The whole point of Operator is that you don't have to supervise it; it can carry out tasks in the background while you're doing other things. But I found myself glued to the window, mesmerized by the sight of a self-driving web browser clicking on buttons, typing words into boxes and selecting from drop-down menus all on its own. Look, Ma, a computer using a computer! Operator also did impressively well on a few relatively simple tasks I gave it: It successfully ordered lunch on DoorDash for my colleague Mike and sent it to his house. (I didn't tell it what to order him, but Operator chose a Mexican restaurant, picked out a handful of dishes for him and even tipped the delivery person $7.) It responded to hundreds of unread LinkedIn messages for me after I gave it control of my LinkedIn profile (although, to my horror, it also registered me for a webinar). It made $1.20 for me by setting up accounts on websites that offer small cash rewards for filling out surveys. (It might have made more, but I started to feel guilty for spamming the surveys with fake, robot-written answers.) But Operator also failed at a bunch of other tasks and revealed its limitations: It couldn't scan my recent columns and add them to my personal website, because Operator's browser was blocked from entering The New York Times' website. (It's also blocked from a number of other sites, including Reddit and YouTube. The Times is suing OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement related to the training of AI models.) It wouldn't play online poker for me. (Operator responded, "I'm unable to assist with gambling or related activities," which seemed like a reasonable rejection, given the chaos a gambling bot could create.) And it was prevented from logging into a number of sites by CAPTCHA tests (which I found reassuring, given that the whole point of CAPTCHAs is to deter robots). In all, I found that using Operator was usually more trouble than it was worth. Most of what it did for me I could have done faster myself, with fewer headaches. Even when it worked, it asked for so many confirmations and reassurances before acting that I felt less like I had a virtual assistant and more like I was supervising the world's most insecure intern. This is, of course, early days for AI agents. AI products tend to improve from version to version, and it's a good bet that the next iterations of Operator will be better. But in its current form, Operator is more an intriguing demo than a product I'd recommend using -- and definitely not something most people need to spend $200 a month on.

How OpenAI's Operator is Changing the Online Tasks : Hands On AI Stress Testing

OpenAI's Operator is an advanced AI agent designed to perform intricate online tasks through a virtual browser. By simulating human interactions with virtual mouse and keyboard inputs, it aims to automate repetitive processes, navigate websites, and respond to user instructions. This innovative tool bridges the gap between artificial intelligence and graphical user interface (GUI) interaction, offering a glimpse into the future of online automation. Designed to mimic human interactions with websites using a virtual mouse and keyboard, OpenAI's Operator promises to take on the heavy lifting of online workflows, freeing you up for the things that truly matter. However, Operator also faces challenges, such as browser-based limitations and occasional execution errors. This overview by Wes Roth explores its core functionality, capabilities, limitations, technical framework, and future potential, providing a detailed overview for a semi-technical audience. Operator operates within a virtual machine, using a remote browser to interact with websites as a human user would. It processes raw pixel data to interpret on-screen elements and executes tasks using virtual mouse clicks and keyboard inputs. This design enables it to handle a wide range of tasks, including: By mimicking human behavior, Operator effectively bridges the gap between AI and GUI-based systems. Its ability to process visual data and execute commands in real-time makes it a versatile tool for automating online activities that were previously reliant on manual intervention. Operator showcases a range of advanced capabilities that highlight its potential to transform online automation: For example, during testing, Operator successfully navigated Reddit to summarize AI-related news and created a shopping list on Instacart by selecting items based on nutritional information and user-defined criteria. These examples demonstrate its ability to integrate reasoning with GUI interaction, making it a powerful tool for structured online tasks. Here is a selection of other guides from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on AI Agents. Operator has shown remarkable performance in structured tasks, particularly in real-world scenarios like grocery shopping automation. During testing, it identified and selected appropriate items with impressive speed and accuracy. On benchmarks such as OSWorld and WebArena, it achieved success rates of 38.1% and 58.1%, respectively, outperforming earlier models. These results underscore its proficiency in tasks requiring GUI interaction and raw pixel data processing. Its ability to navigate complex workflows, extract relevant data, and execute multi-step processes positions it as a promising solution for automating repetitive online activities. However, its performance in unstructured tasks remains an area for improvement, as seen during testing with dynamic games like Minesweeper. Despite its strengths, Operator is not without its challenges. Key limitations include: These limitations highlight areas where further refinement is needed to enhance Operator's reliability and autonomy. Addressing these challenges will be critical for its broader adoption and effectiveness in diverse use cases. Operator is powered by Kua, a sophisticated model that integrates GPT-4's vision capabilities with reinforcement learning. This combination enables it to process raw pixel data, interpret on-screen elements, and interact with GUIs effectively. Operating within a virtual machine ensures safety and scalability, as tasks are executed in a controlled environment. By using virtual mouse and keyboard inputs, Operator closely mimics human interaction, allowing it to navigate websites with precision. The integration of GPT-4's vision capabilities allows Operator to "see" and interpret visual elements on a screen, while reinforcement learning ensures it can adapt to new scenarios and improve its performance over time. This technical foundation provides a robust framework for tackling complex online tasks. The OpenAI Operator is designed with user convenience in mind, incorporating features that enhance usability and streamline interactions: These features make Operator a user-friendly tool, making sure that even non-technical users can benefit from its capabilities. Its ability to adapt to user feedback and provide real-time updates further enhances the overall user experience. While the OpenAI Operator is not yet ready for widespread commercial deployment, its capabilities suggest a promising future. With ongoing development and user feedback, it is expected to address current limitations and expand its functionality. Future iterations may overcome challenges such as CAPTCHA handling, unstructured task execution, and improved reasoning in dynamic environments. Potential applications for Operator extend beyond its current scope, including fields like customer service automation, data extraction for research, and even creative tasks like content generation. As its capabilities evolve, Operator could redefine how AI interacts with the digital world, driving efficiency and innovation across industries. During testing, Operator excelled in structured tasks like grocery shopping, demonstrating impressive speed, accuracy, and adaptability. It successfully navigated complex workflows, extracted relevant data, and completed multi-step processes with minimal errors. However, it struggled with unstructured tasks, such as playing Minesweeper, where its reasoning and adaptability were less effective. These observations highlight its strengths in predictable, rule-based scenarios and its need for improvement in dynamic, less-structured environments. Addressing these gaps will be crucial for expanding its applicability and making sure its success in a broader range of tasks.

I used the OpenAI Operator rival Browser Use and it's impressive, but takes some technical skill to use

OpenAI showed off its first AI Agent, Operator, last week, but it already has a scrappy competitor offering an AI tool called Browser Use that can complete tasks online for you. This Computer-Using Agent (CUA) can write, search, click buttons, and copy information from websites without you needing to touch the mouse or keyboard and without the $200-a-month ChatGPT Pro subscription. Browser Use is actually free, at least if you're willing and able to spend some time playing with API code. I'm not very code-literate, but I naively thought I knew enough of how GitHub works to use the API version. Hours of sifting through documentation, tweaking settings, and watching examples later, I decided this would need a deeper level of coding knowledge than I have, let alone the average person browsing the web. Happily, for me, Browser Use just debuted a cloud version that employs OpenAI's own GPT-4o model. It cuts out a lot of the heavy technical lifting and streamlines things into a more familiar chat format without any extra work. It has its limitations and costs $30, but after my inept API mess, it felt like a bargain. And even in this (still obviously unfinished) form, you still need to put some effort into engineering prompts and negotiating how the AI functions. The most limiting aspect is that you can only issue one prompt before having to start a new interaction. Despite the text box, you can't respond to what the AI does and refine your request. With everything set up, I put Browser Use through a few real-world tests. First up was a price comparison task. I entered the prompt: "Navigate to Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart and search for 'MacBook Air M2'. Extract the product name, price, and stock availability from the first five results on each site. Compare the prices and identify the lowest one. If discounts or coupons are present, record them. Provide a final summary with the best deal and where to buy it." It did the job well, though it didn't find any hidden discounts or coupons. Still, the fact that I could automate price tracking across multiple sites was pretty exciting. That said, a continuing issue for any agent like this comes when a website wants to check that you're human. Browser Use has a button that lets you take over whenever you want, but it will also alert you when there's a need. You can prove your humanity and then hit resume to let the AI take over again. Next came a travel planning task with the prompt: "Search for a round-trip flight from New York to London on Dec 15, 2025 on British Air. Select the cheapest option and extract details, including price, airline, and departure time." Browser Use delivered, pulling up a British Airways flight at $750, complete with departure time and other relevant details. This could be incredibly useful for people who book a lot of travel, especially if you automate it to check for price drops regularly. Finally, I tested out weather prediction and planning with the prompt: "Check the 7-day weather forecast for New York City on weather.com and summarize temperature trends, rain chances, and any severe weather warnings and then suggest how to dress for it." Weather is one of the most popular uses for voice assistants, so I wanted to see how the AI handled a more complex request in that vein. It did very well, not only extracting the information from the forecast but suggesting which days to wear a light coat and which days I should "insulate with a warm coat and scarf, as it will be chilly with low rain chance." The key difference between the two is accessibility. Browser Use is like a Swiss Army knife for developers. It has the flexibility to do almost anything within a browser, but you need to know how to use the tools. You can dig into the code, tweak it, and mold it to your exact needs. If a feature is missing, nothing's stopping you from adding it. Browser Use, being open-source, also has an active developer community constantly refining it. That means if you run into issues, there are forums and GitHub discussions where you can likely find answers. OpenAI's Operator, on the other hand, is like hiring a butler. It does a lot for you but within certain constraints. Operator's strength is its integration with OpenAI's broader AI ecosystem, giving it access to proprietary models that can make more nuanced decisions. However, you're locked into OpenAI's pricing structure and limited customization options. Browser Use isn't perfect. Even its cloud version demands some patience. You need to craft your prompts carefully, brace yourself for troubleshooting, and occasionally start over. The cloud version may make up for some of this later, but for now, the limits of not being able to edit or respond within the conversation put hard limits on its otherwise flexible nature. And the speed can be frustrating as well. Check out a video of my second test; this is four times the speed of the actual process. Right now, Browser Use is best suited for people who enjoy tinkering, such as developers, researchers, and automation geeks who don't mind getting their hands dirty. If you're willing to put in the effort, you'll get a powerful, flexible tool that costs way less than its competition. But if you'd rather not spend your weekend wrestling with configuration files, Operator may be the more forgiving option. Either way, web automation is ready for a boom.

A Look at OpenAI's Operator, a New A.I. Agent

In the past week, OpenAI's Operator has done the following things for me: Ordered me a new ice cream scoop on Amazon. Bought me a new domain name and configured its settings. Booked a Valentine's Day date for me and my wife. Scheduled a haircut. It did these tasks mostly autonomously, although I did have to nudge it along from time to time and occasionally rescue it from a loop of failed attempts. If you're just catching up -- or if you've been distracted by the DeepSeek news this week, which has overshadowed all other A.I. news -- Operator is a new so-called A.I. agent released last week by OpenAI. The tool, which was billed as a "research preview," is only available to people who pay $200 a month for the company's highest subscription tier, ChatGPT Pro. It gives users the ability to direct an A.I. agent that can use a web browser, fill out forms and take other actions on a user's behalf. A.I. agents are all the rage in Silicon Valley right now. Some industry insiders think they're the next big step in A.I. capabilities, because an A.I. agent that can use a computer can actually accomplish valuable real-world tasks, rather than just provide assistance. Many of the leading A.I. companies, including Google and Anthropic, are testing autonomous agents that they claim that companies will eventually be able to "hire" as full-fledged workers. I upgraded my ChatGPT subscription to put Operator through its paces and see what an A.I. agent could do for me. On the surface, Operator looks a bit like regular ChatGPT, except that when you give it a job -- "Buy me a 30-pound bag of dog food on Amazon," for example -- Operator opens a miniature browser window, types "Amazon.com" into the address bar and starts clicking around, trying to follow your instructions. It might ask a few clarifying questions. (Do you want chicken-flavored or beef-flavored food? Overnight shipping or two-day?) Then, once it's feeling confident it has made the right choice, Operator prompts you for a final confirmation, puts the dog food in your cart and places the order. (Operator won't enter passwords or credit card numbers -- you have to take over the mini-browser and type those things in yourself -- but it does the rest on its own.) The whole point of Operator is that you don't have to supervise it -- it can carry out tasks in the background while you're doing other things. But I found myself glued to the window, mesmerized by the sight of a self-driving web browser clicking on buttons, typing words into boxes and selecting from drop-down menus, all on its own. Look, Ma, a computer using a computer! Operator also did impressively well on a few relatively simple tasks I gave it: It successfully ordered lunch on DoorDash for my colleague Mike and sent it to his house. (I didn't tell it what to order him, but Operator chose a Mexican restaurant, picked out a handful of dishes for him and even tipped the delivery person $7.) It responded to hundreds of unread LinkedIn messages for me, after I gave it control of my LinkedIn profile. (Although, to my horror, it also registered me for a webinar.) It made $1.20 for me by setting up accounts on websites that offer small cash rewards for filling out surveys. (It might have made more, but I started to feel guilty for spamming the surveys with fake, robot-written answers.) But Operator also failed at a bunch of other tasks and revealed its limitations: It couldn't scan my recent columns and add them to my personal website, because Operator's browser was blocked from entering the Times's website. (It's also blocked from a number of other sites, including Reddit and YouTube. The Times is suing OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement related to the training of A.I. models.) It wouldn't play online poker for me. (Operator responded, "I'm unable to assist with gambling or related activities," which seemed like a reasonable rejection, given the chaos a gambling bot could create.) And it was prevented from logging into a number of sites by CAPTCHA tests. (Which I found reassuring, given that the whole point of CAPTCHAs is to deter robots.) In all, I found that using Operator was usually more trouble than it was worth. Most of what it did for me I could have done faster myself, with fewer headaches. Even when it worked, it asked for so many confirmations and reassurances before acting that I felt less like I had a virtual assistant and more like I was supervising the world's most insecure intern. This is, of course, early days for A.I. agents. A.I. products tend to improve from version to version, and it's a good bet that the next iterations of Operator will be better. But in its current form, Operator is more an intriguing demo than a product I'd recommend using -- and definitely not something most people need to spend $200 a month on. That said, I think it's a mistake to write off A.I. agents. When they become more capable, they could start to substitute for human workers in some occupations. (OpenAI and Meta have already said they're building A.I. engineer agents.) And some experts worry that more powerful, unrestrained A.I. agents could pose safety risks, if they learn to carry out commands like "drain a bank account" or "execute a cyberattack." Setting a bunch of A.I. agents loose on the internet could also provoke a backlash from web publishers, e-commerce sites and other businesses that rely on human-generated traffic to pay their bills. (If you're a business buying ads on Amazon, you want those ads to be seen by humans, not bots pretending to be humans.) In the future, I can imagine more websites taking steps to block A.I. agents or steer them toward certain pages or products. Right now, A.I. agents are too incompetent to be much of a threat. But it doesn't take much imagination to envision a near future where most of the web will consist of robots talking to robots, buying things from robots and writing emails that only other robots will read. The self-driving internet is almost here, in other words -- get your clicks in while you can.

OpenAI's AI Agent Has to Be Monitored Nonstop to Catch Its Constant Screwups

OpenAI has finally debuted "Operator," its very own AI agent, a type of autonomous model designed to do digital tasks on your behalf like shopping for groceries online. "For several agonizing moments, I watched as OpenAI's artificially intelligent agent slowly navigated the internet like someone who's had the web described to them in great detail but never actually used it," wrote Bloomberg's Rachel Metz. "I had to monitor it the entire time." Experiences like Metz' suggest there's still a long way to realizing OpenAI's vision -- and the industry's at large -- of releasing agentic AI models that can serve as virtual employees or personal assistants, supercharging your productivity by doing the work for you. Typical large language models are limited to words. But AI agents are capable of interacting with their environment, like a user's desktop computer. That potentially enables them to do anything from browse the web -- itself a fount of infinite possibilities -- to using installed software. In its announcement, OpenAI highlighted Operator's usefulness in making reservations, booking flights, and creating shopping lists. The AI model is only available to subscribers of the ChatGPT Pro plan, which costs $200 per month. If it could do any of those things without help quickly and reliably, it might be a huge time saver. The tech is in a very early stage, however, and isn't as hands-off as one might hope. As OpenAI warned, Operator has to ask you for confirmation before actually completing any important tasks -- betraying that the tech isn't yet trustworthy enough to be left alone. Bloomberg's Metz says that Operator successfully handled tasks like getting ice cream delivered, although it required some "guidance and permission," like providing payment info and approving the purchase. With more serious applications like creating a spreadsheet for a schedule, it frequently messed up the details, she said. OpenAI admitted that Operator still struggles with "complex interfaces" like creating slideshows and managing calendars. If it can Instacart you some food and do some shopping, cool. But is it worth shelling out $200 a month for? "Given it was just a test, I was ready and willing to keep a close eye on the product," Metz concluded. "But if OpenAI and its peers want agents to take off, they'll need to convince people that they can trust these services to act autonomously on their behalf. Otherwise, we may decide if we want a job done right, we should just do it ourselves."

10 Ways OpenAI Operator Can Improve Your Workflow and Productivity

Imagine a world where the tedious, time-consuming tasks that clutter your day could be handled seamlessly by an AI assistant. From compiling research to automating repetitive workflows, the possibilities sound almost too good to be true, right? If you've ever wished for a tool that could help you reclaim hours of your time while boosting productivity, you're not alone. Enter OpenAI Operator -- a new experimental AI agent designed to navigate web browsers and tackle complex tasks with surprising efficiency. While it's still in its early stages, this tool has already shown immense potential for simplifying both professional and personal workflows. In this early stage of development Operator comes with a few quirks, occasional inefficiencies, and a price tag that might make you pause. Yet, for those willing to explore its capabilities, it offers a glimpse into the future of AI-powered automation. Whether you're a busy professional juggling endless to-dos or someone simply looking to streamline everyday tasks, Operator might just be the fantastic option you didn't know you needed. In this demo and overview by AI Advantage learn ten practical ways you can harness its power to make your life a little easier -- and a lot more efficient. OpenAI Operator is an advanced AI agent designed to navigate web browsers and automate complex workflows. As a research preview, it demonstrates significant potential for enhancing productivity and simplifying tasks. OpenAI Operator excels at gathering and organizing information from multiple online sources. Whether you need to summarize articles, compare products, or extract key details, it can automate these tasks, saving you hours of manual effort. For example, Operator can compile findings into structured formats like Google Docs or spreadsheets, making the information more accessible and actionable. Its ability to handle large volumes of data efficiently makes it a valuable research assistant, even though the quality of its summaries may occasionally vary. By using this feature, you can focus on analyzing insights rather than spending time on data collection. Routine tasks such as transferring data between Google Sheets, updating Notion databases, or posting content to platforms like Reddit or Slack can be automated with Operator. Its ability to execute multi-step processes and handle file uploads allows you to delegate repetitive work and focus on more strategic activities. For instance, you can set up workflows to automate social media updates or synchronize data across platforms, reducing the time spent on mundane tasks. This functionality is particularly beneficial for professionals managing high volumes of repetitive operations. Operator simplifies the creation of polished presentations and detailed reports. For example, it can generate Google Slides presentations based on research, such as market analyses or competitor comparisons. Additionally, it can produce comprehensive spreadsheets with product comparisons, including links, pros and cons, and pricing details. This capability is especially useful for professionals who need high-quality outputs quickly and efficiently. By automating these processes, Operator enables you to deliver well-structured and visually appealing materials without the need for extensive manual input. Operator integrates smoothly with a variety of external platforms, enhancing its versatility and expanding its use cases. For instance, it can collaborate with creative tools like MidJourney to automate tasks such as generating and managing image prompts. This interoperability allows you to incorporate Operator into workflows that rely on multiple tools, streamlining processes and improving efficiency. Whether you're managing creative projects or handling data-driven tasks, its ability to work alongside other platforms makes it a valuable addition to your toolkit. Stay informed about the latest in AI agent by exploring our other resources and articles. One of Operator's standout features is its ability to execute detailed, multi-step tasks through advanced prompting. By crafting precise instructions, you can delegate complex processes, such as compiling extensive research or organizing large datasets, with minimal need for intervention. This reduces interruptions and allows you to focus on higher-level decision-making. For example, you can instruct Operator to analyze trends across multiple sources and present the findings in a concise format, allowing more informed decision-making in less time. Despite its strengths, Operator has certain limitations that users should be aware of. It struggles with tasks requiring hardware acceleration, such as 3D modeling, and may produce incomplete or suboptimal results for complex operations like forecasting. Additionally, its performance can vary depending on the complexity of the task and the clarity of the instructions provided. Understanding these constraints is essential for setting realistic expectations and using the tool effectively. By recognizing its limitations, you can better tailor your workflows to maximize its strengths. The Operator community plays a crucial role in unlocking the tool's full potential. By sharing workflows, use cases, and best practices, users can discover innovative applications and refine their processes. This collaborative environment fosters creativity and provides valuable insights into how others are using the technology. Engaging with the community can help you uncover new ways to use Operator, allowing you to optimize your workflows and achieve better results. Operator's utility extends beyond professional tasks to everyday activities. For instance, it can automate grocery ordering based on preset preferences, conduct product research, or organize findings into actionable formats. These practical use cases demonstrate its ability to simplify both personal and professional workflows. By automating routine activities, Operator allows you to save time and focus on more meaningful tasks, whether at work or in your personal life. While Operator is generally reliable for straightforward tasks, more complex operations may require troubleshooting and fine-tuning. For users willing to invest time in learning its nuances, the tool offers significant time savings by automating repetitive or manual tasks. Its usability improves with experience and familiarity, making it a more effective tool as you become accustomed to its capabilities. By balancing its strengths with an understanding of its limitations, you can make the most of what Operator has to offer. OpenAI Operator represents a significant step forward in the evolution of AI agents capable of managing diverse workflows. As updates are introduced and competition from similar tools grows, its capabilities are likely to expand further. This positions Operator as a promising resource for automation and productivity in the future. By staying informed about its developments and exploring new use cases, you can continue to benefit from its advancements and remain at the forefront of AI-driven efficiency.

OpenAI Operator AI agent beats Claude's Computer Use, but it's not perfect

Operator is OpenAI's new AI agent for automating browser tasks, powered by a model called CUA (Computer-Using Agent), while Claude's Computer Use from Anthropic uses a version of Claude 3.5 Sonnet to operate both in browsers and on desktop apps. Each is designed to "see" the screen via screenshots, press buttons, type text, and complete other real-world tasks normally done by people. Also read: OpenAI launches Operator: How will this AI agent impact the industry? So in this article, I will walk you through the key differences between OpenAI's Operator and Claude's Computer Use to let you know what fits the best for your workload. But before we jump to any details, here is the brief overview of the comparison: Operator is powered by OpenAI's Computer-Using Agent (CUA), Operator leverages GPT-4o's multimodal capabilities. It interprets graphical user interfaces (GUIs) using screenshots and interacts with them via virtual mouse and keyboard inputs. This enables it to perform tasks such as filling out forms, booking tickets, and shopping online without relying on APIs. On the other hand, Claude Computer Use is a part of Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet, this feature also uses screenshots to analyse GUIs and performs actions like clicking, typing, and navigating menus. It extends beyond browser-based tasks to desktop applications, offering more extensive functionality. Here comes the most interesting part as we believe the benchmarks are one of the most important factors to prove the overall usability of a model. We have divided it into 3 parts: Also read: AI agents explained: Why OpenAI, Google and Microsoft are building smarter AI agents Claude 3.5 Sonnet has shown strong results on benchmarks like SWE-Bench Verified (49%) and TAU-Bench for tool use tasks (69.2% in retail and 46% in airline domains). These benchmarks focus on coding and tool interaction, areas where Claude excels. Operator is currently limited to browser-based tasks such as booking tickets, ordering groceries, and filling out forms. It cannot yet interact with desktop applications but plans to expand its capabilities through API integrations in the future. On the other hand, Claude Computer Use offers broader functionality by interacting with desktop apps in addition to web browsers. This makes it suitable for automating workflows across different software platforms, such as managing spreadsheets or editing documents. Both systems are experimental and prone to errors. Also read: What is ChatGPT Tasks: Automating productivity, one reminder at a time Operator has self-correction mechanisms for minor mistakes but hands control back to the user when encountering challenges like CAPTCHAs or login requirements. Claude has been reported as slower and more error-prone, sometimes failing at basic actions such as scrolling or zooming. After benchmarks, we believe the price and availability are the most important factors. Even though Operator seems to be an overall superior choice to Computer Use, the accessibility part changes the perspective all at once. Operator is available exclusively to ChatGPT Pro users in the United States at $200 per month. OpenAI plans to extend access to Plus, Team, and Enterprise users in the future. Claude Computer Use, on the other hand, is available in beta through Anthropic's platform, with free access for some users. It has also been integrated into tools such as Canva for testing purposes. OpenAI's Operator currently excels in browser-based automation tasks due to its higher benchmark scores and robust reasoning capabilities. However, Anthropic's Claude Computer Use offers greater versatility by extending its functionality to desktop applications. Also the $200 price tag and availability is what makes Operator fall behind. Both systems are still in early development stages, with significant room for improvement in speed, reliability, and autonomy. Depending on specific needs -- whether focused on web automation or general computer interaction -- users may prefer one over the other.