Google's experimental Agent Mode for its Gemini AI, initially slated for early access exclusively to Ultra tier subscribers, is facing increased scrutiny and competitive pressure following recent advancements from rivals like OpenAI. This tiered rollout strategy for Google's advanced agentic capabilities contrasts with broader accessibility seen in the market, prompting speculation about wider availability for Gemini users. The development highlights an accelerating "year of Agents" race among leading AI developers, as noted by industry observers.
The Gemini Agent Mode, which builds on Google's Project Mariner research, is designed to enable the AI to perform complex, multi-step tasks on behalf of users. For instance, it can execute web searches, apply filters, and surface listings for tasks like finding an apartment, as demonstrated by Google CEO Sundar Pichai. This capability, integrating AI models with external tools, was first made available to Gemini Ultra subscribers, a premium plan priced at $250 per month, offering the "highest level of access" to Google's most powerful AI features.
Simultaneously, OpenAI has significantly expanded its own agentic offerings, integrating a comprehensive "ChatGPT agent" for its Pro, Plus, and Team subscribers. This unified agent combines the web-browsing capabilities of its former Operator tool with the information synthesis strengths of Deep Research. The ChatGPT agent allows users to delegate complex online tasks, effectively granting the AI its own "virtual computer" to browse the web, run code, fill forms, and create files, making advanced agentic features accessible to a wider user base.
According to a tweet from TestingCatalog News 🗞, "ICYMI: Agent Mode on Gemini was planned to arrive exclusively for Ultra subscribers in early access." The tweet further observed, "Interestingly, it was about to do exactly what Agent Mode is doing on ChatGPT." This direct comparison underscores the competitive parity in functionality but highlights a divergence in access strategy, leading the tweet to conclude, "Google will have to expand it to Pro users now as well."
The unfolding competition signifies a pivotal shift in the AI landscape, moving beyond conversational chatbots to more autonomous, task-executing AI agents. As companies like Google and OpenAI vie for market leadership, the accessibility and pricing of these advanced agent modes are becoming critical factors. This dynamic suggests that broader availability of such powerful AI tools could become a necessity for Google to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence domain.