OpenAI launches Operator AI agent, expands free ChatGPT features with o3-Mini model
Nickie Louise
Posted On January 23, 2025
OpenAI on Thursday rolled out two significant updates: ‘Operator’, an AI agent that can perform web-based tasks like buying groceries or managing expense reports, and the o3-mini model, which will now be available to ChatGPT’s free-tier users.
In a post on X, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that ChatGPT’s free tier will soon include access to the o3-mini model, while the Plus tier will offer extensive usage of it.
“Big news: the free tier of ChatGPT is going to get o3-mini! (and the plus tier will get tons of o3-mini usage),” Altman said.
big news: the free tier of chatgpt is going to get o3-mini!
(and the plus tier will get tons of o3-mini usage)
— Sam Altman (@sama) January 23, 2025
What Is ChatGPT Operator AI Agent?
Operator is a new AI agent currently available as a “research preview” for ChatGPT Pro users in the United States. It’s designed to handle tasks like buying groceries or managing expense reports by performing actions on websites, such as typing, clicking, and scrolling. OpenAI is working with companies like Instacart, Uber, and eBay to ensure the tool works seamlessly across various platforms. You can access Operator directly at https://operator.chatgpt.com/
The company is hosting a livestream event at 6 PM UTC, where CEO Sam Altman and other executives will showcase Operator in action. While details are still limited, the demonstrations aim to provide a glimpse into how this AI could streamline web-based workflows.
Click on the image to launch ChatGPT Operator (Credit: OpenAI)
OpenAI Expands Free ChatGPT Features with o3-Mini model
Alongside the launch of ChatGPT Operator, OpenAI announced that free-tier ChatGPT users will soon gain access to the o3-mini model, broadening the platform’s capabilities.
Introducing the o3-Mini Model
The o3-mini model is a step up from the earlier o1 models. This AI system is built to offer better reasoning capabilities and will be available to both ChatGPT free-tier users and developers via an API. OpenAI is prioritizing feedback to fine-tune the model and ensure it meets the needs of its users.
With these updates, OpenAI continues to expand its offerings, providing more tools for both everyday users and developers to tackle a variety of tasks.
Join Sam Altman, Yash Kumar, Casey Chu, and Reiichiro Nakano on YouTube for the introduction and live demonstration of Operator.
