OpenAI Launches Answers API as Chinese AI Startups Accelerate Innovation | ChatGPT 4 | OpenAI Playground | ChatGPT app | Turtles AI

OpenAI introduced the Answers API to make it easier for developers to build autonomous AI agents. Meanwhile, Chinese startups like Monica are gaining traction with innovative solutions like Manus AI.

Key Points:

• OpenAI launches Answers API: A new free developer tool that replaces the Assistants API, which is being phased out by mid-2026.
• Monica’s Manus AI: A Chinese autonomous AI agent that performs complex tasks without human intervention, sparking debate over its capabilities compared to other models.
• Alibaba Collaboration: Monica announced a strategic partnership with the team behind Alibaba’s Qwen AI models, integrating Manus capabilities into Chinese platforms.
• High Demand for Manus: Invitation codes for access to Manus have been resold online at high prices, highlighting the international interest in the AI ​​agent.

OpenAI recently introduced the Answers API, a new tool designed to help developers build advanced AI agents that can autonomously perform complex tasks without the need for direct human intervention. This API, available free of charge, will gradually replace the current Assistants API, which is scheduled to be discontinued by mid-2026. The Answers API offers features such as real-time web search, OS interaction using OpenAI’s Operator model, and document search, making it especially useful in areas such as customer service or legal support.

Meanwhile, Chinese AI startups are emerging with innovative solutions that compete globally. In particular, startup Monica recently launched Manus, an autonomous AI agent designed to handle complex tasks such as analyzing stock trends, screening candidates, and building websites, without requiring constant human guidance. Manus has been described as one of the world’s first autonomous agents capable of independent thinking, dynamic planning, and autonomous decision-making. This development has sparked debate within the AI ​​community, with some experts praising its game-changing potential, while others raise concerns about data security and privacy.

In addition, Monica announced a strategic partnership with Alibaba’s Qwen AI model team. This collaboration aims to integrate Manus’ capabilities into Alibaba’s open-source platforms and models, leveraging China’s domestic computational resources. This alliance underscores the commitment of Chinese companies to strengthen their AI capabilities and compete with Western counterparts.

Interest in Manus is further evidenced by the high demand for early access to the AI ​​agent. Invitation codes for the closed beta version of Manus have been put up for sale on online resale platforms, with prices ranging from a few Chinese yuan to thousands of dollars, indicating significant interest both domestically and internationally.

These developments reflect growing competition in the AI ​​industry, with global players introducing advanced tools and solutions to meet the evolving needs of developers and end-users.