How to use Operator, OpenAI's AI agent that performs tasks for you

O Operator arrived in Brazil this Friday, 21st, and promises to automate everyday digital tasks, simplifying processes such as reservations, scheduling and online shopping. In this article, understand what a AI Agent, how to use the Operator and its main differences compared to ChatGPT pattern.

What is an AI Agent?

Um AI Agent (artificial intelligence agent) is a program designed to perform automated tasks for users. It can perceive the environment (in this case, your computer's operating system), make decisions, and automatically perform actions to complete specific tasks.

while the chatbots (conversational bots), respond by generating texts and can hold conversations, AI agents work as a digital personal assistant, using advanced natural language processing, machine learning and computer vision techniques to interpret commands and perform certain tasks, such as reservations, purchases and more.

How does Operator work?

O Operator runs in a dedicated browser window on your computer. When given a command (such as “Buy ingredients for a lasagna recipe from website X”), it takes control of the dedicated window and opens a browser, interacting with websites and applications exactly as a human would — but at the speed of a IA.

Powered by a new model called Computer Using Agent (CUA, acronym for Computer Usage Agent), Operator combines the visual capabilities of GPT-4o, smarter model of ChatGPT, with advanced learning techniques. According to the OpenAI, CUA has been trained to interact with graphical user interfaces — such as buttons, menus, and text fields — allowing the program to “see” (through screenshots) and “interact” (using mouse and keyboard actions) with websites, even without integration via API (application programming interface).

When shopping for ingredients online, for example, AI can open the website, identify the search bar and search for the recipe you want, automatically extract the list of ingredients and navigate through a shopping site, adding each item to the cart.

According to the company, the Operator should ask the user to take command in tasks that require login, payment details or any situation that demands human interaction, such as solving captchas. Additionally, the user can monitor and stop the process at any time.

Although it is still in its early stages, the CUA outperformed competitors in accuracy and speed, in tests such as the WebArena (online shopping simulations) and WebVoyager (automation of complex tasks), says the OpenAI.

What is the difference between Operator and ChatGPT?

ChatGPT

• Generates texts, answers questions and helps with creative tasks;
• It works just like a chatbot;
• Available to all users, including free of charge.

Operator

• Performs practical tasks such as shopping and scheduling;
• Manipulates websites and applications, interacting with interfaces;
• Exclusive for ChatGPT Pro subscribers (US$ 200/month, converting at today's rate, R$ 1.197,56/month).

How to access Operator in Brazil

If you are already a ChatGPT Pro subscriber, you can access the AI ​​agent directly through website. If you haven't subscribed yet, follow the step-by-step instructions to sign up:

Step 1: Open ChatGPT

Step 2: Click “Upgrade plan” in the bottom left corner

Step 3: Select “Get Pro”

You can also subscribe via the Operator website:

Step 1: Open Operator

Step 2: Click on “Try with ChatGPT Pro”

After signing, just open the Operator window in the dashboard. ChatGPT Pro, type your commands and monitor the execution of tasks.

Operator Competitors

A OpenAI came out ahead with the expansion of Operator for several countries, integration with the ChatGPT and availability to the public. But giants like Google, and startups like anthropic and Rabbit, have been developing similar systems, check out some:

Is it worth subscribing to ChatGPT Pro through Operator?

The signature of ChatGPT Pro to have access to Operator, it will depend on your usage profile to be worth it. If you need an assistant to automate repetitive tasks or optimize your time, an artificial intelligence agent like it can be a good investment. But, if your focus is just to generate texts or answer questions, the free ChatGPT or the version Plus can serve you well. 

Pros:

• Automation of everyday tasks;
• Saving time and effort;
• Integration with the ecosystem OpenAI.

Cons:

• Monthly cost of US$ 200 for the service Pro;
• Functionality still limited to browsers.

So, do you think it’s worth subscribing to the more expensive version of ChatGPT for these features? Leave your opinion here in the comments and read more about OpenAI.

Text proofread by: Thiago Almeida in 22 / 02 / 2025.

Sources: TechCrunch, OpenAI

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