OpenAI has launched a new suite of developer tools aimed at simplifying the creation of AI-powered agents that can perform complex tasks autonomously. This move comes as Chinese AI startups, particularly Monica AI, continue to gain ground with competitive offerings.
At the core of OpenAI’s latest release is the Responses API, designed to replace the existing Assistants API by mid-2026. This new API enhances automation by integrating powerful built-in tools, making it easier for developers to build AI agents capable of handling sophisticated workflows.
Key Features of the Responses API
- Web Search: Agents can search the internet in real time and provide citations, similar to ChatGPT’s browsing capability.
- File Search: AI models can retrieve information from uploaded documents, improving efficiency in tasks like legal research and customer support.
- Computer Use: AI agents can control virtual machines by analyzing screenshots and executing actions like clicking, typing, and scrolling.
To complement the API, OpenAI has introduced the Agents SDK, an open-source toolkit that helps developers manage and coordinate multiple AI agents. The SDK includes:
- Configurable agents with specialized instructions and access to tools.
- Automated agent handoffs based on context.
- Guardrails for security, including content moderation.
- Debugging and performance-tracing features.
Competition From Chinese AI Startups
OpenAI’s latest advancements come at a time when Chinese AI companies are rapidly evolving. Monica AI, for instance, has unveiled Manus AI, an agent reportedly outperforming OpenAI’s DeepResearch tool. Additionally, Monica AI is collaborating with the team behind Alibaba’s Qwen AI models, further intensifying the competition.
Chinese AI firms are focusing on providing cost-effective, high-performance solutions, making them attractive alternatives to OpenAI’s ecosystem. With companies like Baidu and Tencent also investing heavily in AI development, OpenAI faces growing pressure to maintain its leadership in the space.
OpenAI’s initiative reflects a broader trend towards enhancing corporate productivity through customizable AI solutions.