tool use — A model's ability to call external functions — run code, search the web, edit files — instead of only generating text.
AI agent — An AI system that doesn't just answer once but works toward a goal in a loop — taking actions, reading the results, and deciding what to do next.
Why it matters
Session startup drops from six round trips to one, and decoupling the audio path from asynchronous reasoning and tool useA model's ability to call external functions — run code, search the web, edit files — instead of only generating text.Full definition → is the pattern to copy if you are fighting time-to-first-response in a voice AI agentAn AI system that doesn't just answer once but works toward a goal in a loop — taking actions, reading the results, and deciding what to do next.Full definition →.
