Concise Summary:
Autonomous digital assistants (AI agents) are emerging that can perform tasks beyond just answering questions. These agents, developed by companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, utilize text interfaces similar to ChatGPT but with the capacity to directly interact with web browsers, enabling them to complete actions such as ordering groceries or coding. This technology represents a shift from traditional chatbots and promises increased user convenience and automation in various aspects of digital interaction. While still in early stages, the development of AI agents suggests a future where tasks are performed autonomously by these digital assistants, potentially transforming how we navigate the internet and interact with everyday services.
Key Points:
- Here are five key points extracted from the article:.
- Autonomous digital assistants are being developed that can carry out tasks for users, including ordering groceries.
- The AI “agent” known as Operator, created by OpenAI, has a text-based interface similar to ChatGPT and allows users to interact with it in a conversational manner.
- AI agents offer an advantage over traditional chatbots because they are capable of taking actions that require interaction with external websites or applications.
- Companies like Anthropic, Perplexity, Google, and others are creating various AI agent versions for tasks such as coding, research, and other practical needs.
- The line between a chatbot and an AI agent is debated but generally understood to be where actions outside of the chat window occur autonomously.
Archive Links:
12ft: https://12ft.io/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/09/who-bought-this-smoked-salmon-how-ai-agents-will-change-the-internet-and-shopping-lists
archive.org: Who bought this smoked salmon? How ‘AI agents’ will change the internet (and shopping lists) | Artificial intelligence (AI) | The Guardian
archive.is: https://archive.is/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/09/who-bought-this-smoked-salmon-how-ai-agents-will-change-the-internet-and-shopping-lists
archive.ph: https://archive.ph/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/09/who-bought-this-smoked-salmon-how-ai-agents-will-change-the-internet-and-shopping-lists
archive.today: https://archive.today/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/09/who-bought-this-smoked-salmon-how-ai-agents-will-change-the-internet-and-shopping-lists
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