OpenAI Launches Dots, Personal AI Agents That Work in the Background [Video]

OpenAI has introduced Dots, personal AI agents designed to keep working on projects between conversations. Each dot has its own cloud computer and browser, can use connected apps, and can handle several tasks at once, according to the company's announcement. Access is beginning to roll out to ChatGPT Pro, Business Premium, and Enterprise users in eligible markets.

Powered by GPT-6 Astra, Dots can connect to more than 4,000 apps through plugins. They can carry context across ChatGPT, Slack, and Teams, with texting planned for later. OpenAI says they learn a user's preferences from feedback and can return to ongoing work without being directed through every step.

The company describes internal uses in which a dot investigates a bug reported in Slack or turns a new design into a working app. In one early test outside OpenAI, a dot noticed its user had forgotten to invoice a publication, prepared the invoice, and sent it after receiving approval.

A dot's cloud computer can be inspected at any time. Users can also grant access to their own laptop, but it remains separate unless they choose to connect it. When a dot looks for work in the background, its 'proactive research' uses read-only app connections that cannot send messages, change app content, or control a browser or computer. Actions that affect accounts or share information pass through an automatic review, which may require the user's approval.

The first dot is included with ChatGPT Pro or Business Premium at no extra cost, along with an allowance for deeper work and extended limits during the first month. Enterprise users, including Edu and Healthcare, can try a beta after their workspace admin enables it. Conversations with a dot do not count against ChatGPT usage limits, but tasks it starts in Codex or ChatGPT Work still do. Setup is available in the ChatGPT desktop app or a desktop browser; mobile app access is due in a later update.

OpenAI also previewed specialist dots for organizations, with separate identities and access to company systems. Those are in focused enterprise pilots, and the company is working with Microsoft to integrate them into Agent 365.