Primary source AIArticle·30 September 2026·5 min read

OpenAI launches dots, AI agents that work for you 24/7

Powered by GPT‑6 Astra, dots get their own computer in the cloud, connect to over 4,000 apps, and take initiative before you even ask.

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OpenAI launches dots, AI agents that work for you 24/7

Source : OpenAI · OpenAIView original ↗

In brief

OpenAI unveils dots, "always-on" agents built into ChatGPT, Slack and Teams that learn their user's preferences and advance their projects in the background. Rollout begins for Pro, Business Premium and Enterprise subscribers. A "specialist" version aimed at enterprises is in pilot, with planned integration into Microsoft Agent 365. It's OpenAI's clearest shift yet from a chatbot you query to an agent that acts on its own.

🍺 Bar-stool version

OpenAI is offering you a coworker who never sleeps, has their own computer, and digs through your apps in the background "just to see if they can help." One tester got reminded by theirs that they'd forgotten to send an invoice, which is both super handy and mildly humiliating. You can even name it, like a goldfish, except the goldfish doesn't have access to 4,000 apps. Fundamentally, we're moving from the chatbot you ask questions to the assistant that takes initiative, and the whole question becomes: how far do you let it go.

Key takeaways

1
Dots are "always-on" agents powered by GPT‑6 Astra, capable of working on multiple projects in parallel, 24/7.
2
Each dot has its own computer and browser in the cloud, inspectable at any time, and can connect to over 4,000 apps via plugins.
3
You use it through messages or voice calls in ChatGPT (desktop, web, mobile), as well as in Slack and Teams, with shared context across all channels; SMS is coming soon.
4
In the background, "proactive research" only uses read-only tools: no sending messages, no modifying content, no browser control.
5
Custom Rules let you allow, require approval for, or block actions; an auto-review system filters sensitive actions, and some, like changing a password, always remain with the user.
6
The first dot is included at no extra cost in Pro and Business Premium plans, and its conversations don't count toward ChatGPT usage limits.
7
"Specialist dots" with their own identity and access to company systems are being tested in pilot, with planned integration into Microsoft Agent 365.

An agent that works around the clock

OpenAI describes dots as "a new way to work with AI": an agent that learns what matters to its user, works continuously on their behalf, and takes important tasks off their plate.

Examples drawn from internal use

At OpenAI, a bug reported in Slack immediately triggers an investigation by dots.

A computer of its own, and channels everywhere

Each dot operates from its own cloud computer, with its own browser and connected apps.

The announced safeguards

The user's computer stays separate from the dot's, unless voluntarily connected.

Specialist dots and the Microsoft alliance

Specialist dots target specific responsibilities within an organization, with their own identity, credentials, IT-provisioned hardware, and deep integrations into core systems.

Availability and business model

Rollout begins in ChatGPT for Pro and Business Premium subscribers in eligible markets; Enterprise, Edu and Healthcare customers get access to a beta if their admin enables it.

Why it matters

With dots, OpenAI is embracing a fundamental shift: AI no longer waits for the prompt, it observes, anticipates, and acts.

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#openai #agents #chatgpt #enterprise #microsoft #security

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