a16z Podcast
AI agents are approaching a point where they can use computers faster than expert humans, turning the user interface itself into a universal way for AI to interact with software. OpenAI’s Ari Weinstein and James Sun argue that computer use is now entering its scaling moment, as better models, faster execution, and stronger safety controls make agents practical for more consumer and enterprise work.
Ari and James join a16z’s Seema Amble and Fabrizio Serafini to explain how computer-using agents are already navigating legacy ERPs, reconciling financial data, handling procurement, and operating software without APIs or custom integrations. They also discuss why the harness around the model can matter as much as model intelligence, how enterprises can set deterministic guardrails around agent behavior, and why computer use could simultaneously extend the life of legacy software and accelerate the arrival of new AI-native applications.
Looking ahead, they make the case for a more proactive and fluid relationship with computers, where agents work in the background, collaborate with users in real time, and increasingly adapt to us rather than requiring us to learn how to use them.
Resources:
Follow Seema Amble on X: https://x.com/seema_amble
Follow Fabrizio Serafini on X: https://x.com/fabserafini
Follow Ari Weinstein on X: https://x.com/AriX
Follow James Sun on X: https://x.com/JamesZmSun
Related a16z research from Seema Amble and Fabrizio Serafini:Can Agents Use a Computer Yet? We’ve Got the Data
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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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