01What Is Hermes Agent Step 5 Preview?

Hermes Agent Step 5 Preview is a free, cloud-based model you can use inside Hermes Agent. It is also OpenWeights, so you can access it without paying. Step 5 Preview is designed to be lightweight and fast, making it a good choice for many everyday tasks.

In this episode, Julian Goldie shows how he plugs Step 5 Preview into his Agent OS. You can switch between models and choose Step 5 for tasks like planning your day or researching a topic. The model is free to use right now for one week, so you can test it without cost.

02Main Features of Step 5 Preview

Step 5 Preview comes from an AI coding lab in China called StepFun. Its flagship foundation model has 600 billion total parameters and 27 billion active parameters. It uses a sparse mixture of experts approach, which helps keep it fast and efficient.

  • Free to use (for one week during the preview).
  • OpenWeights, so you can download and use the model yourself.
  • Lightweight and fast, not frontier level but on par with Gemini 3.8 Flash.
  • Million-token context window, so you can hold a lot of information in one session.
  • Works directly with Hermes Agent for web search, memory, and automation.

03How to Set Up Step 5 Preview in Hermes Agent

To start using Step 5 Preview, you need to have Hermes Agent and access to the model. Julian shows how he does it inside his Agent OS system. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Hermes Agent and go to the model switcher.
  2. Choose Step 5 Preview from the list of available models.
  3. Type a task like "plan my day" or "research topic" and hit send.
  4. Wait for the model to respond—it is fast, so you usually get results quickly.

That is all it takes to start using Step 5 Preview. You can also plug it into other tools like the SEO agent or video agent, as Julian demonstrates.

04How to Use Step 5 Preview for Learning and Research

One powerful way to use Step 5 Preview is to teach Hermes Agent new skills. Julian shows this by using the /learn command. He types "/learn" and uploads a tutorial guide.

The model then creates a skill file (an MD file) that captures the core architecture of the system, so Hermes can use that knowledge later.

You can also chat with Step 5 Preview naturally. For example, you can ask it to research the latest Hermes Agent updates and explain how to use them. The model pulls in information from web search and gives you a clear answer.

Julian also mentions using Hermes Apollo, a voice agent, to ask quick questions while working. This way, you can build and get answers without stopping your flow.

05Results and Comparisons Shown in the Episode

Julian shows real results using Step 5 Preview. He demonstrates that the model can do research and find the latest news about Hermes Agent. It even picks up that Step 5 Preview has just been added to Hermes Agent.

He also compares Step 5 Preview to Gemini 3.8 Flash, saying it is on par but cheaper. For agentic tasks, he notes that you don't always need a frontier model; Step 5 Preview is good enough for most jobs unless you're coding something super complex. In that case, he recommends using Claude CLI or Codex directly.

06Tips, Limits, and Mistakes to Avoid

Step 5 Preview is not a frontier model, so avoid using it for very complex coding or tasks that need top-level reasoning. Julian suggests using Claude CLI or Codex for those cases. For general agentic tasks and content writing, it works well.

  • Don't expect frontier-level performance; it's designed for speed and efficiency.
  • Make sure you give it clear workflows, especially for SEO content, to get good results.
  • Use the /learn command to teach it your systems, but keep guides concise and structured.
  • Remember that the free week might end, so check availability before relying on it.

07Who Should Use Step 5 Preview and Why It Matters

Step 5 Preview is ideal for anyone who uses AI agents daily and wants a fast, free model for routine tasks. Julian uses it inside his Agent OS, which combines multiple workflows like SEO, research, and content creation. If you're a beginner, you can start with the free model and learn the basics.

It matters because it lowers the cost of using AI agents. You don't need to pay for a premium model for every task. Step 5 Preview is good for research, drafting, and even ranking content in Google AI views, as Julian shows with the "best Harrow agency" search.

It's a practical tool for building and automating workflows without breaking the bank.

08How to Get the Full Agent OS System

Julian mentions that the full agentic operating system is available inside the AI Profit Boardroom. This includes the Agent OS, which you can install on your own system. You get access to training tutorials, a community for help, weekly coaching calls, and a library of Hermes blueprints.

  • Use the search bar to find Hermes tutorials and automations.
  • Ask questions in the community and get video answers.
  • Join weekly calls for real-time support.
  • Download the Agent OS zip file from the classroom.
  • Follow the beginner-to-expert roadmap if you're new.

If you want to learn more, visit AIProfitBoardroom.com or check the links in the episode description.