Computer Use is 45x more expensive than structured APIs (reflex.dev)

Article summary

A study found that using computer interfaces designed for humans is 45 times more expensive than using structured APIs for AI agents. The study compared the performance of a vision agent and a programmatic agent in completing tasks. The vision agent struggled with tasks that required scrolling or understanding the structure of a webpage, while the programmatic agent was more efficient. The study highlights the need for interfaces that are designed with AI agents in mind.

Main themes

• AI agent efficiency
• Interface design
• APIs vs GUIs
• Future of OS design
• Accessibility and AI

What commenters say

• The idea of redesigning operating systems for AI agents is unnecessary and impractical, as it would require a complete overhaul of existing systems.
• Exposing app functionality via APIs would be beneficial for both humans and AI agents, but it is unlikely to happen due to the lack of incentives for companies to do so.
• The development of AI agents will drive competition among companies to provide more accessible and programmable interfaces, which could lead to better services for users.
• The use of AI agents to automate tasks will not necessarily benefit individuals, as the benefits will likely accrue to employers rather than employees.
• The comparison between APIs and GUIs is not a model problem, but rather a design problem that requires a fundamental rethink of how we interact with computers.
• The idea of AI agents controlling user interfaces is a solution in search of a problem, and there are no clear benefits to using them for tasks that humans can already perform.
• The future of operating systems will involve the development of 'dark OSs' that are designed specifically for AI agents, rather than humans.
• The use of AI agents to automate tasks will lead to increased productivity, but it will also require significant changes to the way we work and interact with technology.