News/Agents
Introducing Browser Use: a free, open-source web browsing agent
A new open source AI tool called Browser Use has emerged as a competitor to OpenAI's Operator and Anthropic's Computer Use, offering automated web browsing capabilities at a fraction of the cost. Key product details: Browser Use, developed by a Swiss startup, enables AI models to interact with web browsers for automated tasks like form completion, web searches, and research. The tool comes in two versions: a $30/month cloud option and a free open source version for self-hosting Users can integrate virtually any AI model as the backend engine, including GPT-4 or free local models through Ollama In performance testing,...
read Jan 30, 2025AI agents gain capability to use Windows applications using PigAPI’s cloud virtual desktops
PigAPI is a new tool that enables AI agents to interact with legacy Windows applications through virtually hosted desktops in the cloud, bridging the gap between modern AI capabilities and older software systems. The automation challenge: Organizations heavily depend on legacy applications that lack modern APIs, creating significant barriers to digital transformation and automation efforts. Approximately 66% of organizations still rely on legacy applications for core operations Traditional systems often lack the necessary APIs for modern integration Maintenance costs and security vulnerabilities increase with aging systems Technical innovation: Pig API introduces a novel approach by allowing AI agents to operate...
read Jan 30, 2025Postman launches API-first AI agent builder
Postman has launched an AI Agent Builder that enables developers to create, test, and deploy intelligent agents by combining large language models with APIs and workflows. The core innovation: Postman's AI Agent Builder represents a significant advancement in API-first development by providing a unified platform for creating AI agents that can autonomously interact with various applications and services. The platform allows developers to seamlessly integrate large language models with APIs and automated workflows AI agents built using the tool can access real-time data, interact with applications, and execute complex tasks According to Postman CEO Abhinav Asthana, agent adoption could drive...
read Jan 29, 2025The most powerful ways AI agents will accelerate sales and marketing teams
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve beyond basic generative tools, AI agents are emerging as sophisticated systems capable of autonomously handling complex, multi-step tasks across sales operations and business processes. These agents are particularly transformative in the sales industry, where they can manage everything from initial lead qualification to administrative tasks while complementing human salespeople's relationship-building abilities. Current state of AI agents: AI agents represent the next evolution beyond generative AI tools, capable of executing complex, multi-step tasks autonomously without human intervention. Unlike task-specific generative AI tools, AI agents can handle multiple types of tasks simultaneously while making independent decisions...
read Jan 29, 2025MIT researchers discover novel training approach that improves AI agent performance
Researchers from MIT discovered that, unlike traditional environment-matching training methods, AI agents can actually perform better when trained in less noisy, simplified environments. Key findings: The Media Lab team discovered that training artificial intelligence in less complex environments can lead to better performance when the AI is deployed in more challenging, unpredictable conditions. The study focused on AI agents playing modified Atari games with added elements of unpredictability This phenomenon, dubbed the "indoor training effect," demonstrated consistent results across various Atari games and their variations The research specifically examined reinforcement learning agents, where researchers manipulated the "transition function" that determines...
read Jan 28, 2025Google’s Deep Research AI agent now available in the Gemini Android App
Google's Deep Research is an agentic feature that conducts comprehensive web research on behalf of users, and now it's available through the Gemini Android app. Key Features and Functionality: Deep Research operates by creating and executing multi-step research plans based on user queries. Users can pose questions about any topic, and the AI develops a research strategy that can be approved or rejected The feature mimics human research behavior by browsing the web, making iterative searches, and compiling findings Results are presented as organized reports with source links for further exploration Users can refine reports through follow-up questions and export...
read Jan 28, 2025NTT DATA unveils AI agent to speed up generative AI adoption
Global digital services provider NTT DATA has launched Smart AI Agent, a new artificial intelligence tool designed to automate tasks and optimize workflows across industries, targeting $2 billion in revenue by 2027. Launch details and market strategy: NTT DATA's Smart AI Agent will initially roll out in the US, China, and select European markets before expanding globally. The tool autonomously handles task extraction, organization, and execution based on user instructions Integration focuses on key sectors including automotive, banking, and manufacturing The company estimates Smart AI Agent-related business will generate $2 billion in revenue by 2027 Core capabilities and features: Smart...
read Jan 28, 2025Block’s new open-source AI agent does everything from writing code to ordering dinner
Block's new open-source AI agent 'codename goose' has debuted with the ability to write code, handle daily tasks, and adapt capabilities mid-session through a flexible connection framework. Key features and capabilities; The new AI agent, released under Apache License 2.0, offers seamless interoperability between user interfaces, language models, and various systems through Anthropic's Model Context Protocol (MCP). Users can specify their preferred large language model (LLM) and add new tools during active sessions The agent can autonomously execute tasks including writing code, running tests, and managing dependencies Goose demonstrates impressive efficiency, with the ability to generate 70% of its own...
read Jan 28, 2025OpenAI’s new ‘Operator’ mode gives ChatGPT full autonomy
OpenAI has released a significant upgrade to ChatGPT called Operator, enabling the AI to autonomously complete complex multi-step tasks and interact with web services without constant human guidance. Key innovation revealed: Operator transforms ChatGPT from a reactive chatbot into an autonomous AI agent capable of determining and executing multiple steps to accomplish user-defined goals. The new feature allows ChatGPT to interact with web interfaces, navigate online services, and make decisions independently Operator is built on a new Computer-Using Agent (CUA) model that combines GPT-4's language and vision capabilities The system can perform tasks like online shopping, travel planning, and meal...
read Jan 28, 2025DigitalOcean launches platform to make AI agents more affordable for SMBs
DigitalOcean has launched a new Generative AI platform that simplifies AI agent creation for businesses and developers, with a focus on accessibility and ease of use. Platform Overview; The GenAI platform, unveiled at DigitalOcean's Deploy 25 conference, provides tools for creating custom AI agents, integrating knowledge bases, and performing advanced function calls. The platform integrates foundational models from providers including Meta, Mistral AI, and Anthropic Users can create AI-powered chatbots through an intuitive interface with pre-built components The system includes customizable chatbot interfaces that can be embedded into websites or applications Key Features and Capabilities; DigitalOcean's platform emphasizes practical functionality...
read Jan 25, 2025OpenAI’s ‘Operator’ just put the final nail in the coffin of the web as we know it
OpenAI's new AI agent Operator signals a significant shift in how users interact with web content, potentially disrupting traditional web business models and user behavior patterns. The breakthrough: OpenAI's Operator represents a new type of AI agent that can autonomously browse the web and complete complex tasks like finding and booking tours, following Anthropic's earlier Computer Use feature. The tool can navigate multiple websites, compare options, and execute transactions without direct user interaction Its capabilities extend beyond simple information gathering to performing multi-step tasks that previously required manual browsing and decision-making The technology builds upon ChatGPT's existing web search functionality, which...
read Jan 24, 2025Y Combinator’s hottest startup Origami Agents raises $2M to enhance sales teams
Y Combinator-backed startup Origami Agents has secured $2 million in seed funding to develop AI research agents that enhance human sales teams' capabilities, achieving $50,000 in monthly recurring revenue during its initial beta period. Key developments: The San Francisco-based company, founded by 19-year-old Kenson Chung and co-founder Finn Mallery, is positioning itself as an AI-powered sales enablement platform that augments rather than replaces human sales representatives. The company's AI agents automate time-consuming research tasks that typically take up to three hours of a sales representative's daily workflow Unlike competitors such as 11x and Artisan, which focus on full sales automation,...
read Jan 23, 2025OpenAI’s new ‘Operator AI’ can book reservations, make purchases and plan tasks for you
OpenAI has launched Operator, a semi-autonomous AI agent that can navigate web browsers and perform tasks like booking reservations and ordering tickets, marking the company's first venture into agent-based AI technology. Key features and functionality: Operator works through a dedicated website where users can input requests and watch the AI navigate a cloud-based virtual browser in real-time. Users access Operator through operator.chatgpt.com, where they can input requests for tasks like booking tickets or making restaurant reservations The system uses a virtual browser running on OpenAI's servers rather than taking control of the user's personal browser Users maintain control and can...
read Jan 23, 2025IT leaders are bullish on AI agents, BMC survey finds
The current state of AI adoption: A new survey of 424 IT stakeholders reveals widespread interest in generative AI, with 94% incorporating it into their operations and management strategy, though only 17% have progressed beyond experimentation. Most organizations remain in early stages, with 41% testing simple use cases and 42% conducting initial pilots Only 5% of organizations report having mature generative AI implementations Multiple AI platforms are being deployed simultaneously, with 44% of organizations using two different solutions and 22% using three Platform preferences and adoption trends: Microsoft Copilot leads the pack among generative AI solutions, while a significant portion...
read Jan 23, 2025OpenAI’s computer-controlling AI agent has arrived — here’s what it can do
OpenAI has introduced "Operator," a new AI agent that can autonomously perform web-based tasks for ChatGPT Pro subscribers in the United States. Core technology and capabilities: Operator employs a "Computer-Using Agent" (CUA) model that combines GPT-4o's visual processing abilities with reinforcement learning to interact with web interfaces like a human user. The agent can interpret screenshots and perform basic computer actions like typing, clicking, and scrolling Operator navigates web interfaces independently to complete tasks such as ordering groceries and making reservations Unlike traditional AI models, Operator doesn't rely on predefined APIs, allowing for more flexible interaction with websites Strategic partnerships:...
read Jan 23, 2025ByteDance’s new AI agent controls computers, bests GPT-4 and Claude
ByteDance has unveiled UI-TARS, an advanced AI agent capable of autonomously operating computer systems and executing complex digital tasks through graphical user interfaces. Core capabilities; UI-TARS represents a significant advancement in AI's ability to interact with and control computer interfaces across desktop, mobile, and web platforms. The system utilizes both 7B and 72B parameter versions, trained on approximately 50 billion tokens The AI agent can understand visual interfaces, apply reasoning, and execute multi-step actions autonomously Its interface features dual tabs - one displaying its reasoning process and another showing actual actions being taken Technical architecture; ByteDance has implemented several innovative...
read Jan 22, 2025AI in marketing: How agents enhance customer journeys in retail
The NVIDIA AI Podcast featured Firsthand co-CEO Jon Heller discussing how AI-powered brand agents are transforming digital marketing and customer experiences in retail. Key innovations: AI agents from Firsthand act as digital guides that leverage a company's knowledge base to assist customers throughout their shopping journey, from product discovery to purchase completion. These Brand Agents can maintain context across different customer touchpoints, creating a more cohesive and personalized experience The technology extends beyond basic chat functionality to incorporate various AI capabilities that enhance customer interactions The system turns marketing interactions into valuable customer research data, generating new insights into consumer...
read Jan 22, 2025Zapier’s new AI agents automate tasks across your favorite apps
Zapier has launched Zapier Agents in beta, introducing AI-powered digital assistants that can automate tasks across 7,000+ business applications without requiring coding knowledge. Core functionality: Zapier Agents functions as AI-powered teammates that can access business data, operate across multiple applications, and work independently after initial setup. The platform enables natural language interactions for task delegation and automation Agents can access live business data from 12 key business tools and applications A Chrome extension allows the AI assistants to follow users across the web and provide contextual help Key features and capabilities: The new platform represents a significant evolution of Zapier's...
read Jan 22, 2025YouGov survey reveals mistrust among workers of agentic AI in the workplace
The first significant survey examining worker trust in agentic AI reveals notable skepticism among employees regarding AI's capabilities and reliability in the workplace. Key findings: YouGov's survey for Pegasystems (NASDAQ: PEGA) polled over 2,100 working professionals in the US and UK who use digital devices for their jobs, with 58% already utilizing AI agents. 33% expressed concerns about AI-produced work quality 32% cited AI's lack of human intuition and emotional intelligence 30% showed distrust in AI-generated response accuracy 47% believed AI cannot match human intuition and emotional intelligence 40% felt uncomfortable submitting AI-generated work 34% worried that AI's output quality...
read Jan 22, 2025ServicesOps’ newest platform tasks AI agents with reducing change failures
ServiceOps platform BMC Helix has introduced a new AI agent designed to reduce change failures and improve risk management in enterprise IT systems. Core innovation: BMC's Change Risk Advisor AI agent analyzes operations and service management data to provide change risk scores and actionable recommendations for IT teams. The AI agent can proactively identify risky system changes by examining historical data and current service health status Teams can interact with the agent to ask specific questions about change approvals, ownership, and potential conflicts The system aims to bridge the gap between traditional Change Advisory Board (CAB) processes and rapid DevOps...
read Jan 21, 2025AI agents are coming for higher education — here are the trends to watch
AI agents - autonomous tools with enhanced decision-making capabilities beyond traditional chatbots - are being deployed across higher education institutions to handle administrative tasks and support learning. Key developments: AI agents are emerging as the next evolution in educational technology, building upon the widespread adoption of generative AI tools in academia. These agents can operate independently, making decisions based on available information rather than requiring specific user prompts Over 100 institutions have partnered with companies like CollegeVine to implement AI agents The technology is being used for student recruitment, course support, and administrative tasks Practical applications: Higher education institutions are...
read Jan 21, 2025Domo.AI unveils agents, new tools to make business AI deployment easier
Domo.AI has launched a new enterprise AI platform designed to integrate artificial intelligence capabilities across business operations while maintaining data security and user accessibility. Platform Overview; Domo.AI aims to provide organizations with a unified solution for implementing AI across their operations while maintaining data security and control. The platform allows companies to use various AI models, including DomoGPT and solutions from partners like AWS, IBM, Databricks, and Snowflake Organizations can leverage public models, large language models, and generative AI within a secure framework that keeps data under company control The system is designed to scale alongside business growth while maintaining...
read Jan 21, 2025Stanford researchers are simulating human personalities with AI agents
A team of Stanford researchers has successfully created AI agents that can accurately simulate the personalities and decision-making patterns of 1,052 real individuals using interview data and large language models. The breakthrough explained: Stanford's research team developed AI agents capable of replicating human personalities with up to 85% accuracy when compared to how consistently real people answered their own questions over time. The project involved conducting standardized 2-hour AI interviews with participants representing diverse demographics across the U.S. Researchers used large language models to analyze interview transcripts from multiple expert perspectives, including social psychologists and economists The AI agents demonstrated...
read Jan 21, 2025Oracle launches new AI agents for sales professionals
Key announcement: Oracle has introduced a new set of AI-powered virtual agents specifically designed to assist sales professionals with customer-related tasks and data management. Oracle released these AI agents on Tuesday as part of their business software suite The tools are being offered at no additional cost to existing customers The release aligns with Oracle's strategy to integrate AI into enterprise solutions Technical capabilities: The AI agents are purpose-built to handle specific sales-related tasks, ranging from basic documentation to complex data analysis and reporting. The agents can automatically update customer interaction records after meetings A specialized "customer intelligence" agent can...
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