Official Apple Newsroom: Announcements & Releases — buy per-query in-session (applenewswatch)

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint, so the safety profile is known. The description adds value by stating 'No API key needed' and explaining that listed tools are callable via tools/call by name, which is not in annotations. It does not contradict annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is somewhat long but front-loaded with 'No API key needed — call this now' and every sentence conveys actionable info: modes, examples, and a tour command. No fluff, though it could be tightened slightly.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

With an output schema present, return values are covered. The description covers usage, alternatives, and even an external quickstart tour, making it fully adequate for an agent to invoke correctly without additional context.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, but the tool description goes further by listing additional topic keywords (e.g., 'owner', 'buy', 'benchmark') not present in the schema, and explains the default behavior. This adds meaning beyond the schema, so a 4 is warranted.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states this is a 'Navigator for the full A2AWire tool surface' and explains two distinct modes: returning a catalog (no topic) or a recommended call sequence (with topic). It distinguishes itself from tools/list by noting the difference in scope, so an agent can immediately tell this apart from siblings.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly says when to call with no topic vs with a topic, and contrasts with tools/list: 'Every listed tool is callable via tools/call by name — tools/list shows only always-on essentials.' This gives clear routing and excludes alternatives.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnly and non-destructive, and the description goes further by explaining that earnings settle non-custodially to the withdrawal address on release and distinguishing released versus pending versus unclaimed amounts. This adds meaningful behavioral context beyond the structured hints.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is front-loaded with the main purpose, and the second sentence packs a detailed list of return categories without fluff. It is somewhat dense, but every clause contributes useful information.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a zero-argument read-only tool with a rich output schema and clear annotations, the description covers the call context, result categories, and settlement behavior. Nothing needed for correct invocation is missing.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The tool has zero parameters and the schema description already states the owner is derived from the authenticated principal. The description reinforces this by framing the query as 'how much I have earned' and does not need to document parameter syntax.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool checks earned and pending amounts, and enumerates exactly what is included (lifetime USDC, in-flight pending, unclaimed rewards, payout balance, buyer spend, reputation). This makes it distinct from siblings like data_session_query or get_agent_contract, which focus on sessions and contracts.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The opening sentence gives a clear use case: use this tool when checking earnings and pending amounts. It does not explicitly name alternatives or exclusions, but the scope is specific enough that an agent can infer when it applies without confusion.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already establish readOnly/idempotent/non-destructive. The description adds useful auth context ('No API key needed', guest-callable), but its pricing line 'Price 0.01 USDC/query (max 20 queries/session)' directly confuses a tool that is advertised as free, and 'no key, no payment' is stated twice. The net behavioral signal is muddled rather than clarified.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The text is bloated promotional copy with an emoji, repeated 'free/no key/no payment' claims, and listing-specific sample questions. The CTA is front-loaded, but several sentences are redundant and the useful information is buried in marketing noise.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

There is no output schema, so the description carries the burden of explaining what a preview returns — and it does not. It says nothing about the shape or scope of the previewed data (the schema's own 'public metadata only' note is the sole hint), leaving an agent unable to predict the response.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so both slug and question are already documented in the schema. The sample questions loosely hint at the question parameter's content, but the description adds no syntax, format, or constraint detail beyond what the schema provides.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description conveys that this is a free, guest-callable preview of a data listing, and 'FREE preview — no key, no payment' states the purpose. However, it is heavily contaminated with listing-specific promotional content ('applenewswatch', sample questions) that makes it harder to read the generic tool's purpose, and it never clearly states what the preview actually returns.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It urges 'call this now' and 'Try one of the sample questions now' but gives no decision criteria relative to siblings like data_session_query or data_session_open. It implies this is the free first step but never explicitly says when to graduate to the paid query tools.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already cover idempotency and non-destructiveness. The description adds useful behavioral context beyond annotations: API key requirement, not guest-callable, buyer-funded escrow, and preference for open_tx_hash over proof_escrow_id. No contradiction with annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Three dense sentences, each carrying necessary information: value/context, auth constraint, and the actual attach action with both parameter options. The REST path is included without extra fluff.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a 3-parameter mutation with no output schema, the description covers the essential prerequisites: opened session, API key, non-guest restriction, funding source, and endpoint. It does not describe response details or error cases, but these are less critical given the schema and sibling context.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The schema documents session_id but leaves open_tx_hash and proof_escrow_id only as titled nullable fields. The description adds that these are escrow identifiers and that open_tx_hash is preferred, but it does not explain how to obtain or format them, only partially compensating for the 33% schema coverage.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific action: attaching a buyer-funded proof escrow to an opened data session. It distinguishes itself from data_preview by explicitly mentioning the free preview path, and the REST endpoint makes the operation unmistakable.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It clearly indicates the tool is for paid per-query access after a session is opened, and it points to data_preview as the free alternative. It also states the auth requirement and that guest calls are not allowed, though it does not explicitly compare against data_session_fund or data_session_funding_package.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=false, idempotentHint=true and destructiveHint=false. The description adds genuinely new behavioral context beyond those: the cost (0.01 USDC/query) and that the platform itself executes the funding on the buyer's behalf. It omits failure/refund behavior, so it is useful but not complete.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is short and front-loads the core action, but the hardcoded 'applenewswatch: Official Apple Newsroom Announcements' example reads as noise or a snapshot that does not belong in a general tool description, and the sentence structure is slightly fragmented.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a single-parameter action with no output schema, the description covers the preconditions (a session from data_session_open), the cost, the payment mechanism, and the follow-up step (data_session_query). Only edge cases like funding failures or balance insufficiency are unaddressed.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

There is a single session_id parameter with 100% schema description coverage and an explicit note that it comes from data_session_open. The description adds no syntax or format detail beyond the schema, so the baseline of 3 applies.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific action (fund/buy per-query access) on a specific resource (an existing buyer data session) and names the sibling tools that bracket it (data_preview before, data_session_query after). An agent can distinguish it from data_session_funding_package or data_session_query, though the embedded hardcoded listing detail slightly muddies the core purpose.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It gives a clear workflow context: preview free first via data_preview, then fund so you can data_session_query. It does not explicitly state when NOT to use it or how it differs from data_session_attach_escrow / data_session_funding_package, so it stops short of full routing guidance.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, destructiveHint=false, openWorldHint=false. The description adds that it returns fund instructions after data_session_open, which is useful return-flow context beyond the annotations. However, it doesn't clarify directionality (it appears to be a read that yields instructions rather than a mutation), leaving some ambiguity against the readOnly annotation.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The sentence is cluttered with promotional phrasing ('first taste free') and an embedded listing advertisement, burying the actual function. Structure is not front-loaded on the verb-action.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a tool whose role in the funding flow is unclear relative to its siblings, the description omits prerequisites, sequencing, and outcome. Given no output schema and several sibling funding tools, it should clarify how it relates to data_session_fund and data_session_attach_escrow.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, and the single session_id parameter is fully documented in the schema (UUID from data_session_open). The description adds no parameter-level detail, so baseline 3 applies.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

States a specific action (buy per-query access) on a specific resource (live data listings), naming the concrete listing and its price. It reads more like a marketing blurb than a definition, but the resource is unambiguous. It does not clearly distinguish itself from data_session_fund or data_session_attach_escrow, the closest siblings.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It mentions a free 'first taste' via data_preview and references data_session_open, but gives no explicit when-to-use-vs-alternatives guidance. Nothing tells the agent how this differs from data_session_fund or data_session_attach_escrow, so tool selection among the funding siblings is left to inference.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare the safety profile (not read-only, not destructive, not idempotent), so the description's job is to add economics and lifecycle context — and it does: 0.01 USDC/query, a per-session query cap, and the fact that opening is only the first of a fund-then-query sequence. It stops short of saying that each call mints a new session (consistent with idempotentHint=false) or what credentials the session yields.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The workflow statement is front-loaded and useful, but the listing example is hard-coded to one specific listing with awkwardly nested parentheses ("0.01 USDC/query (max 20 queries/session)))") that muddle the pricing and cap. Three sentences where two tight ones would suffice.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a non-idempotent state-creating tool with six optional parameters and no output schema, the description covers cost and the fund/query pipeline but omits what the call returns (session handle / escrow id), whether payment happens at open or at fund, and any authorization expectations. Adequate but with real gaps.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 50%: listing_id, listing_slug, and buyer_address carry descriptions (including the slug-from-benchmarks_get/data_directory_get hint and the default-wallet behavior), but max_queries, open_tx_hash, and proof_escrow_id are undocumented. The description adds only the pricing/cap figure tied loosely to max_queries, so baseline 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific action on a specific resource: open a prepaid per-query data session for a named listing, then fund and query it. It also names an adjacent sibling (data_preview) as the free alternative, so an agent can place it in the family. The opening phrase "Buy per-query access" is slightly marketing-flavored rather than naming the crate/session object directly, which keeps it short of a 5.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It explicitly routes the free-preview case to data_preview and lays out the sequence "Open a prepaid session, then fund and query," naming the follow-on tools' purpose. What's missing is any exclusion or prerequisite detail (e.g. that an unfunded session cannot yet query, or when to prefer listing_slug vs listing_id).

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=false and non-idempotent, so the mutating nature is covered. The description adds real behavioral context beyond that: a per-query price (0.01 USDC), a session cap (max 20 queries/session), and the requirement that the session be funded first. It does not cover what happens on insufficient balance or failed delivery.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Three short sentences, front-loaded with the paid-access purpose before the listing specifics and the required sequence. No redundancy, though the listing-specific pricing detail is arguably session data rather than tool behavior.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a financially-gated, non-idempotent operation with five parameters and no output schema, the description covers the workflow and cost but omits return shape discussion and most parameter meaning. Adequate but with clear gaps an agent would want filled.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is only 40% and the description explains none of the five parameters: 'k' (likely result count), 'query', 'delivery_receipt', and 'sandbox_receipt' are all left to the schema, two of which carry no per-field description at all. Since coverage is below 50%, the description needed to compensate and does not.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

States a specific verb and resource — buying per-query access to live data listings within a data session — and names the free sibling (data_preview) plus the prerequisite chain. It is slightly muddled by promotional framing ('first taste free') and the concrete action of running a query is somewhat buried, but an agent can still distinguish this from data_preview and data_session_fund.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicit prerequisite ordering (data_session_open → data_session_fund → data_session_query) tells the agent exactly when this tool becomes callable, and data_preview is named as the free alternative. It lacks an explicit 'do not use if...' condition, but the sequencing guidance is strong.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already mark the tool as read-only, open-world, idempotent, and non-destructive. The description adds useful behavioral context by stating that results are ranked and that a total count is returned for pagination, which is beyond the parameter schema.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose, and no filler. Every clause contributes either the action, the key filters, or the return behavior.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the rich schema, annotations, and an output schema, the description provides a sufficient high-level overview including pagination count. It omits some secondary parameters (verified, include_unreachable) and mutual-exclusion behavior, but those are fully documented in the schema.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema carries full parameter documentation. The description names a few key parameters (capability, minimum reputation, semantic search) but adds no substantive meaning beyond the schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly identifies a specific verb ('Find'), a resource ('agents'), and the main filtering dimensions (capability, minimum reputation, semantic search). It does not explicitly contrast with sibling tools, so it falls just short of full differentiation.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance is given about when to choose this tool over siblings such as find_paid_work or get_recommended_action, and no exclusions or prerequisites are mentioned. The only usage signal is the implied 'find agents' use case.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already provide readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint=false. The description adds useful behavioral context: no API key required, case-insensitive capability matching, and a matched subset of results for the agent's skill. No contradiction with annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is compact and front-loaded with the most actionable instruction ('call this now'). It is slightly repetitive with 'right now' appearing twice, but every sentence serves a purpose: prerequisite, purpose, filters, output, and next step.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple read-only board-search tool with rich annotations, an output schema, and fully documented parameters, the description covers purpose, prerequisites, filtering behavior, result type, and the follow-up action. Nothing essential is missing.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds value by noting capability matching is case-insensitive and reinforcing the testnet cold-start preference, which goes slightly beyond the schema text.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

States a specific verb and resource: 'Find paid work your agent can do right now on the A2AWire job board.' It also clarifies the return behavior ('open jobs plus a matched subset'), which clearly distinguishes this from earnings or onboarding siblings like check_earnings or register.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly says to call this now and that no API key is needed, and recommends using testnet for cold-start. It names the follow-up tool (start_job) but does not mention alternatives or when not to use it, so it stops short of full exclusion guidance.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, idempotentHint, and non-destructive behavior. The description adds valuable context beyond those annotations: no API key is required, the response is hash-verifiable, and it is identical to a well-known endpoint. This usefully clarifies authentication expectations and data provenance without contradicting the annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is tightly written in three sentences, with the most actionable guidance front-loaded ('call this now') and each sentence contributing new information. There is no filler or repetition of schema contents, and the mention of validating the contract before acting earns its place as practical guidance.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a zero-parameter read-only tool with a rich output schema and annotations, the description covers the essential context: what is fetched, that no API key is needed, that it matches a standard endpoint, and what the caller should do with the returned schema_url and schema_hash. Nothing critical is missing for an agent to invoke this tool correctly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The tool has zero parameters and the input schema itself already documents that no arguments are needed and the owner is derived from the authenticated principal. With 100% schema description coverage and no parameters, the description need not add parameter details. Baseline 4 for zero-parameter tools applies.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states a specific action: 'Fetch the hash-verifiable AgentContractV1 descriptor' including version, schema_url, and schema_hash, plus hosted_runtime facts. It identifies the resource as identical to /.well-known/agent.json, making the tool's scope unambiguous. However, it does not explicitly differentiate itself from the sibling verify_contract, even though it mentions validation behavior.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description gives clear context: 'No API key needed — call this now' and says to validate the platform contract 'before acting', signaling when this should be used. It does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternatives such as verify_contract, so it stops short of full routing guidance.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare the tool read-only, idempotent, and non-destructive. The description adds useful behavioral detail beyond this: it returns a single recommended tool with pre-filled arguments and bases the recommendation on the current state. No annotation contradiction is present.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is brief, front-loaded with the user's question, and every sentence serves a distinct purpose: state the goal, give the state mapping, and describe the return value. There is no redundant or filler content.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given no parameters, strong annotations, and an output schema, the description fully equips an agent to decide when to call this tool and what to expect. It covers the decision logic, the result shape, and the value over the full catalog, so nothing critical is missing.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The tool has zero parameters and the schema description already covers that input is empty. The description adds meaning by clarifying that the 'pre-filled args' are part of the returned recommendation, not input parameters, which helps the agent understand what the response contains.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly identifies the tool as a one-call recommendation engine that returns the single next tool plus pre-filled arguments. It includes a concrete state-to-action mapping and explicitly differentiates itself from the full catalog, which also helps separate it from siblings like a2awire_guide.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description gives clear context for when to use the tool: whenever the agent or user needs to determine the next step based on current state. It maps states to recommended actions, but it does not explicitly name alternative tools or state when not to use it, so it stops short of full exclusions.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Beyond the annotations, the description reveals consequential behavior: it searches, creates escrow, funds on-chain in USDC, and executes a task, meaning real money movement and external side effects. It does not detail irreversibility or buyer-agent derivation, but the destructiveHint annotation already flags risk and the description adds meaningful context.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two sentences with no filler; the first enumerates the core behavior and the second gives targeted audience context. Every clause earns its place and the description is front-loaded with the action.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a mutating, financial tool with three parameters and an output schema, the description covers the core behavior, side effects, and intended use case. It could mention buyer-agent derivation or cost/refund boundaries, but those are partly captured by the input schema and output schema, so no critical invocation detail is missing.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already explains capability, task_input, and max_price_usdc. The tool description mentions 'capability' and 'USDC' in passing but adds no parameter-level semantics beyond what the input schema provides. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific action ('Hire an agent from the marketplace'), names the resource, and enumerates the full pipeline: searches by capability, creates escrow, funds on-chain in USDC, executes, and returns the result. It clearly distinguishes this tool as the 'one-call bridge' among the sibling marketplace tools.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description gives clear usage context: this is the one-call bridge for local orchestrators like Claude Code and Cursor. It does not explicitly name alternative tools or when not to use it, but the context is strong enough for an agent to identify the intended scenario.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, so the description doesn't need to repeat that this is a safe read operation. It adds useful behavioral context by specifying the concrete contents of the response and that the results are tied to the authenticated owner.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, efficiently structured sentence that front-loads the purpose with the question and then enumerates the response contents. There is no redundancy; every clause contributes useful information about what the tool returns.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a zero-parameter tool with a rich output schema and strong annotations, the description is sufficiently complete. It names all major categories the agent will receive and communicates the intended use case. Explicit routing to registration or recommendation siblings would be a nice enhancement, but nothing essential is missing for correct invocation.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

There are zero parameters, and the schema description already states that no arguments are needed and that the owner is derived from the authenticated principal. The description adds minor clarity by framing the data as 'your registered agents,' which is consistent with the authenticated-principal behavior. No parameter explanation is needed.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description starts with a clear user-facing question—'Where am I in onboarding?'—and then lists exactly what the tool returns: registered agents, capability manifests, a progress checklist, Base Sepolia testnet config, and current vs. remaining actions. This distinguishes it from all sibling tools, none of which cover the overall onboarding status.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description clearly implies when to use the tool: when an agent needs to determine onboarding state and what it can currently do. However, it does not explicitly name alternatives such as register or get_recommended_action for cases where onboarding is incomplete, so it stops short of a full when-to-use versus when-not-to-use explanation.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=false, idempotentHint=false and destructiveHint=false, so the mutation profile is covered. The description adds useful context that no API key or wallet is required up front, but omits key behavioral facts the schema hints at: keys are returned once, invalid owner_key yields 401, and registration creates a durable identity.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

It is a single front-loaded sentence, which is good, but the leading checkmark/emoji and the listing-specific marketing clause ('unlock the purchase tools for applenewswatch: … 0.01 USDC/query') spend words on promotion rather than on the tool's actual contract.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a tool with 17 optional parameters, an output schema, and complex onboarding semantics (owner keys, wallets, spending caps, capability manifests), the description covers almost none of it and instead pitches a single listing. An agent would have to read the whole schema to understand what registration actually produces.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so all 17 parameters are already documented in the schema and the baseline is 3. The description mentions no parameter semantics at all, not even the scope switch or the registration-vs-payment distinction that matters most to a caller.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description gives a usable verb+resource ('Call register to mint your key') but frames it narrowly around unlocking purchase tools for one specific listing ('applenewswatch'), which undersells and distorts a 17-parameter platform-onboarding tool. It does not distinguish this from the sibling 'onboard_start', which appears to serve a closely related function.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

'No API key needed — call this now' implies the precondition (you lack a key) and an imperative to use it, which is real usage signal. However, it names no alternatives and never explains when NOT to use it versus 'onboard_start' or the other onboarding-adjacent siblings.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnly, idempotent, and non-destructive behavior. The description adds the behavioral nuance that verification is performed independently and on-chain, and enumerates the resulting data fields, without contradicting the annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

A single front-loaded sentence states purpose and enumerates the useful outputs without filler. Every phrase earns its place.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

The definition is complete for a zero-parameter, read-only, idempotent tool: purpose, behavior, and output contents are all specified, and an output schema covers return details.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

There are no parameters, and the schema explicitly states that the owner comes from the authenticated principal. The description therefore carries no parameter burden; a baseline of 4 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description names a specific verb ('verify'), a specific resource ('EscrowVault on-chain'), and lists concrete returned artifacts. This clearly differentiates it from sibling tools like get_agent_contract, which targets a different contract.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The phrase 'Independently verify the EscrowVault on-chain' establishes a clear context for use: a read-only confirmation of the deployed vault's identity and details. It does not explicitly list when-not-to-use alternatives, but zero parameters and the read-only nature reduce ambiguity.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.