OpenAI’s AI agents need to catch up
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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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A cozy living room filled with people gathered around a smart speaker, looking disappointed and confused as the speaker fails to perform real-time tasks smoothly.
Caption: Even the smart speaker feels the pressure 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, Sam, and Robin are standing around Alex's cluttered workspace, where various AI gadgets and screens are scattered everywhere. Alex is enthusiastically showing off a prototype AI agent to Sam and Robin.*
Alex: This is the future, guys! Our very own 24/7 AI helper!
Robin: Cool, but can it make me coffee and tell jokes?
Sam: And can it also predict when it needs an upgrade, or is that still our job?
Panel 2
*Alex has plugged in the AI agent, and it’s now rolling out a demo on a large monitor. The AI agent is shown performing mundane tasks like scheduling meetings and making to-do lists.* AI Agent (on screen)
AI Agent: Scheduling a meeting with "Infinite Ideas Inc." at 3 PM.
Robin: So it can schedule meetings and make lists... like me on a good day?
Sam: Yeah, but I don’t require daily updates to stay relevant.
Panel 3
*Alex looks at the AI agent's monitor, which displays a notification saying in large, flashing letters.*
Alex: Upgrade Required
Alex: Oh no, it needs an update already!
Robin: Guess it’s just like us after all!
Sam: And that’s the future for you. Always chasing the next upgrade.
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