01What is the Hermes agent update?

The Hermes agent update refers to the latest version v0.17 of the open-source AI agent Hermes. This update, called the Reach Release, introduces several new features to make the agent more powerful and easier to use. It is free to download and set up.

In this episode, Julian Goldie explains the key updates and how to use them. He shows real examples, so you can apply the new features right away. This update makes Hermes even more capable for automation and content creation.

02Key features in the Hermes v0.17 update

The v0.17 update includes several major features. The most important is sub-agents, which let you delegate tasks to multiple agents that work in parallel. You can also now edit images using Hermes with image models like Minimax, Grok, or ChatGPT.

  • Sub-agents: Create a team of agents that work asynchronously on tasks.
  • Image editing: Edit images using text-to-image or image-to-image prompts.
  • Automation blueprints: Pre-coded templates for automating workflows.
  • Grok Composer 2.5 Fast: Use this model free with a Grok subscription.
  • Full profile builder: Create multiple agent profiles with different configs.
  • Agent loops: Self-improving loops with a builder and judge.

There are also security updates and support for local models. This update makes Hermes more versatile for various tasks.

03How to set up the new Hermes features

Setting up the new features is straightforward. Julian shows how to configure models and profiles. Here are the steps for using Grok Composer 2.5 Fast and creating a new profile.

  1. Open Hermes and go to the manage section.
  2. Navigate to models and change the model to Grok Composer 2.5 Fast.
  3. Log in with OAuth using your Grok or Twitter account.
  4. Switch the model and reload it.
  5. To create a new profile, go to your dashboard and select profiles.
  6. Click create new profile, add a name and description.
  7. Clone a previous profile or add a new config and model.
  8. Hit create and manage your profiles in the profiles section.

This setup takes just a few minutes and unlocks the full power of Hermes.

04How to use sub-agents and image editing

Sub-agents are the standout feature. You can delegate tasks like creating five articles at once. For example, if you need SEO content, you give Hermes a keyword and it spawns five sub-agents to create five pages in parallel.

Each agent works independently and the results come back in the chat when done.

Image editing is also simple. If you have an image model plugged in, you can provide an image and tell Hermes to edit it. It can generate multiple variations of the same image.

Julian shows a YouTube thumbnails tool that creates three or four versions at once, with a timer to track generation time.

These features save time by automating repetitive tasks. You don't need to manage each sub-agent; the main Hermes profile handles them.

05Results and tests from the episode

Julian ran a test with agent loops. The loop includes a builder and a judge. The judge scores the work out of 100.

In the test, round one scored 62, then 71, then 84, and finally 93. Once the score hit the target of 90 or above, the loop stopped.

He also showed a blog post created fully on autopilot by SEO agents. The post was formatted beautifully, had a video embedded, and looked professional. Additionally, a video was generated using the same system, and it looked nicely edited.

These examples show that Hermes can produce high-quality content without constant human supervision. The self-improving loops make quality control automatic.

06Tips, limits, and mistakes to avoid

When using the new features, keep a few things in mind. Sub-agents work asynchronously, so they may finish at different times. Be patient and wait for all results to come back.

Also, image editing requires a supported image model; make sure you have one plugged in.

  • Don't over-manage sub-agents: Let the main Hermes profile handle them.
  • Use automation blueprints: They save time and are created by experts.
  • Check API requirements: Some blueprints may ask for APIs, but the core is automated.
  • Set a clear target score: For loops, define a goal and a scoring threshold.
  • Use the judge: Let the judge handle quality control instead of doing it yourself.

Mistakes to avoid include forgetting to log in with OAuth for Grok Composer, and not cloning profiles if you want to reuse configs. Also, remember to reload the model after switching.

07Who benefits from the Hermes agent update

This update is for anyone who uses AI agents for content creation, automation, or research. If you run a blog, a YouTube channel, or an SEO agency, the sub-agents and loops can save you hours. The automation blueprints are perfect for non-coders who want to automate tasks.

It also matters because Hermes is the most popular open-source AI agent. With this update, it becomes even more powerful. The voice-activated version, called Open Jarvis, is another exciting addition that lets you control Hermes with voice.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, the new features make Hermes more accessible and effective. You can build a whole team of agents that work together without much effort.