OpenAI launches always-on "dots" agents

OpenAI has introduced dots, persistent AI agents designed to work on a user's behalf around the clock. The company says each dot runs on the new GPT-6 Astra model, has its own cloud computer and browser, learns from feedback over time and connects to more than 4,000 apps through OpenAI's plugin ecosystem.

Users can message or call their dot in ChatGPT on desktop, web and mobile, and can also reach it in Slack and Teams. OpenAI says texting support is coming soon. Context carries across all of these channels. A dot can run several projects at once. Users can open its cloud computer to inspect its work, and can let it use their own laptop if they give permission.

When the user is not actively working with it, a dot carries out what OpenAI calls "proactive research," using connected apps through tools restricted to read-only access. Other safeguards include built-in approval rules and user-defined Custom Rules that allow an action, require approval for it or block it. An auto-review system checks actions that could affect accounts or share information. Monitoring can pause or stop a dot, and sensitive tasks such as changing a password always stay with the user. Saved passwords can be used without being exposed to the model.

Rollout begins on Pro, Business Premium and Enterprise plans in eligible markets, and OpenAI says it plans to expand to more users soon. It is also previewing "specialist dots" that have their own identity for access management, run on IT-provisioned hardware and integrate deeply with a company's systems of record.

The capability claims come from OpenAI. It has not published benchmarks or pricing in the announcement, and it says dots "can still make mistakes."