OpenAI’s AI agents need to catch up
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What's this about?
OpenAI popularized the modern generative AI chatbot, but as its 2026 DevDay event approaches, it's fallen behind in one of the industry's hottest categories: continuously running, consumer-facing AI agents. On Tuesday, it will likely try to capture the lead in that race. Rumors abound that OpenAI wi
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Caption: OpenAI’s AI agents need to catch up
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Based on the original story on theverge.com.
Editor's note
As we look ahead to OpenAI's event, it's clear that the company's generative AI chatbots have been a cornerstone of the tech landscape. However, to remain at the forefront, they will need to pivot their focus towards the robust, continuously running AI agents that are increasingly essential for seamless user experiences.
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Panel 1
Alex, a beaming inventor, stands in his tech lab, a cup of steaming coffee next to him. The room is cluttered with gadgets and wires. Sam, who looks disapprovingly at his laptop, leans back in his chair. Sam (sarcastically)
Alex: I can't believe we've been stuck at the back of the pack! Our AI agents are lagging behind the competition. We need to make up ground fast before DevDay!
Sam: Great. Just great. Just what we needed. Another round of last-minute fixes to save our behinds.
Panel 2
The room suddenly goes dark, and a bright, colorful explosion of patterns and colors fills the screen, emanating from a small, chaotic orb in the corner of the room. Robin (popping in and out of focus) Alex, Sam, and Sam's laptop all gasp in surprise as the room is temporarily transformed into a vibrant, chaotic playground. Alex (eyes wide) Sam (nodding) Robin (grinning)
Robin: Hey, team! I heard about the AI agents lagging behind. I think I can help. I'm a chaos catalyst, remember?
Alex: Robin, you're amazing! But how can you help us with AI agents? I thought you were more for... well, you know, 'chaos.
Sam: Yeah, and what do you mean by 'chaos catalyst'? Does that mean you're going to make our AI agents worse?
Robin: No, no, no! I'm going to make them better. I promise. Just give me a few hours to brainstorm. I'll show you the way!
Panel 3
The room returns to its normal tech lab setting, but the air is now charged with excitement. Alex, Sam, and Robin are huddled around Sam's laptop, discussing the best ways to implement Robin's chaotic solutions. Alex (excitedly) Sam (nodding) Robin (smiling) Alex (nodding with a mix of confidence and wonder) Sam (still looking doubtful) Robin (laughing) End of Script.
Alex: So, Robin, you're going to sprinkle chaos into our AI agents? What does that mean exactly?
Sam: And will you actually fix the lag issue, or are you just going to make things worse?
Robin: It's a bit like magic, but not quite. I'll sprinkle some chaos, then, with the right amounts of order, we'll make the AI agents run like a well-oiled machine! I think it'll be perfect. Trust me, I'm a master of balancing chaos and order. It's my superpower.
Alex: I think we can do this. Thank you, Robin. I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Sam: You're sure this won't just make things worse? No, I mean, worse in a different way, I guess?
Robin: I promise, Sam. I promise. Let's make this happen, and we'll all be heroes by DevDay!
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