On Thursday, OpenAI unveiled a new feature, dubbed Operator, that lets ChatGPT take control of a virtual browser to perform real-world tasks like ordering food or booking flights. But so far, it’s aimed at rich people.
The tool, currently available only to Pro subscribers ($200/month) in the U.S., marks the company’s first venture into autonomous web browsing.
It highlights the emergence of a tiered financial system, where those who pay more gain access to the best AI features. At the same time, lower-paying users are limited to less capable models with restricted functionality—arguably not that democratic.
The system works through operator.chatgpt.com, where users can ask ChatGPT to handle various online chores.
There have been some attempts to do similar things in the past, from the OpenAI plugin store to the promise of Large Action Models popularized by Rabbit. Still, their reliance on APIs made them inconvenient and challenging to set up.
What makes this different is how it works. Instead of relying on APIs as its predecessors, Operator controls a cloud-based browser, clicking buttons and filling forms just like a human would.
Every time Operator makes a move, it snaps a screenshot to show you what it…
