OpenAI's New AI Agent Can Order Dinner But Costs $100 a Month

OpenAI has introduced a new AI agent called Dots, which is designed to act like a digital coworker that can operate other software for you. Think of it as a virtual assistant that can click around on a computer to get things done, like scheduling an internet installation or ordering takeout. However, unlike some free competitors, Dots is initially available only to users on OpenAI's highest-tier plans, including the $100-per-month Pro account. This suggests it's targeted more at businesses and professionals than casual users.

In testing, Dots showed promise but also significant limitations. It managed to find a $100 promotional discount hidden in an email but got stuck on a human verification check that required a sustained mouse hold. It also failed to find a free trial option at a coworking space, instead offering a $35 day pass, and had trouble logging into an Ikea account due to a looping security check. The agent often required manual intervention, like entering bank details or completing security checks, which made it feel less autonomous than expected.

Despite these issues, Dots excelled when given access to a personal website, where it could make changes without hitting security barriers. This highlights that the technology works best in controlled environments. OpenAI says Dots can do 'nearly anything' with its cloud computer and app access, but the reality is that it's not yet a seamless personal assistant. It's more of a tool for specific work tasks, and its $100 monthly price tag puts it out of reach for many.

For now, Dots represents an early step toward AI that can take actions on your behalf, but it's not ready to replace your personal assistant or save you hours of chores. It's a glimpse of what's coming, but with caveats. As AI agents improve, they could eventually handle more of our digital errands, but today's version is still a work in progress.