ChatGPT Agent: Your New, Sluggish Shopping Assistant

Imagine having an intern who takes ages to complete tasks, yet eventually gets things done—most of the time. That’s OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Agent in a nutshell. Launched just a day ago, it's designed for tackling complex tasks on your behalf using its own 'virtual computer.' But is it the revolution we’ve been waiting for?

First Steps into Agent Mode

Unlocking 'Agent Mode' by typing '/agent,' I was presented with five example tasks: finding a coffee grinder under $150, reviewing articles on rare earth metals, and even planning a date night. I decided to test it out by searching for a vintage lamp on Etsy.

Once I selected the task, ChatGPT Agent filled out a detailed prompt for me, aiming to find a Japanese-inspired lamp under $200. The agent then marked its progress, detailing each small task it was performing, from navigating the site to filtering search results—everything except delivering results.

The 50-Minute Wait