Key Points
- ChatGPT Agent is available to Plus and Pro subscribers.
- It performs assigned tasks in the background and returns results when finished.
- Common uses include flight searches, complex research, code generation, and creating presentations or spreadsheets.
- The Agent cannot bypass anti‑bot protections, so final purchases still require human confirmation.
- It takes longer to complete tasks than the instant replies of the regular chat mode.
- Users should supervise financial or sensitive actions to ensure appropriate oversight.
ChatGPT Agent Mode
What Is ChatGPT Agent?
OpenAI offers an advanced capability called ChatGPT Agent to users of its paid tiers. The feature allows subscribers to give the AI a specific task and then step away while the system works behind the scenes. Unlike the typical back‑and‑forth chat experience, the Agent operates without continual prompts, returning only when the assignment is finished.
How the Agent Works
When a user describes a goal—such as locating the best flight to New York based on dates, price, and preferred times—the Agent browses the web, visits the same sites a human assistant would, and compiles the results. It can also dig into complex research topics, pulling together information from multiple sources to deliver a concise summary.
Practical Uses
The Agent shines in several everyday scenarios:
- Travel planning: Users ask the Agent to search for flights, compare options, and present the most suitable choice. The system cannot bypass airline anti‑bot measures, so final booking may still need human confirmation.
- Code creation (Vibe coding): Without any programming knowledge, a subscriber can request a specific app or script. The Agent writes the code, assembles the application, and notifies the user when it is ready.
- Document generation: The Agent can produce PowerPoint presentations or Excel spreadsheets by gathering relevant data online and formatting it according to the user’s specifications.
These capabilities turn the Agent into a versatile virtual assistant that handles both research‑intensive and routine tasks.
Limitations and Considerations
Despite its power, the Agent has constraints. It cannot automatically complete purchases that are protected by anti‑automation safeguards, meaning a user must intervene to finalize any transaction, such as buying a flight ticket. Additionally, the Agent takes longer to finish a task than the instant responses typical of the standard chat, so it is not ideal for quick, simple questions. Users are advised to retain oversight, especially when financial actions are involved, to ensure the AI does not act without explicit approval.
Where to Find the Feature
The Agent is part of the broader Essential Guide to ChatGPT, a collection of tips and advice for navigating OpenAI’s suite of tools. Subscribers can access the feature directly within the ChatGPT interface, where they can type a task description and let the Agent handle the rest.
Source: techradar.com