OpenAI Unveils Dots at DevDay 2026

At the OpenAI DevDay 2026 event in San Francisco, OpenAI announced the launch of Dots, a new class of personal agentic assistants. Powered by the GPT-6 Astra model, Dots are described by the company as remarkably capable, always-on agents designed to handle a wide range of tasks and pursue user-defined goals continuously in the background with minimal oversight.

Unlike traditional single-turn chatbots, these cartoonish, bubbly agents are built to operate independently of specific hardware or interfaces. OpenAI envisions users giving their primary dot a name, personalizing it, and eventually deploying teams of dots to work together on their behalf.

Capabilities and Background Operations

According to OpenAI, Dots feature their own cloud computer, which allows them to run background tasks and accomplish objectives assigned by the user 24/7. While working on a task, users can view a Dot's cloud computer at any time and grant it permission to use their local computer.

Internal examples shared by the company include Dots automatically investigating bugs mentioned in Slack, creating working apps when a new design is ready, or noticing that an invoice has not been sent and generating it for approval. Through read-only connections with connected tools, Dots also perform proactive research when not actively working on a task.

Platform Integration and Availability

Users can set up and interact with Dots through ChatGPT, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. Text message support is also coming soon, with Pro users able to join a waitlist to text their agents via iMessage or RCS messaging on Android. Additionally, Pro subscribers to ChatGPT can access the new functionality starting today.

Dots are available immediately to Pro and Business Premium users, while Enterprise users can try them out once workspace admins approve the rollout. Each eligible plan initially includes one Dot, with plans to support additional agents in the future. While Dots must initially be created using the ChatGPT desktop app or browser, users can continue interacting with them through the mobile app afterward.

Enterprise Focus and Specialist Dots

The introduction of Dots aligns with OpenAI's broader strategy to expand its enterprise offerings. During the DevDay keynote, CEO Sam Altman highlighted specialist Dots tailored for specific professional responsibilities such as accounting, email marketing, and legal analysis, integrating AI coworkers deeper into standard professional workflows.

To support enterprise security, OpenAI is working with Microsoft to integrate Dots into Microsoft's Agent 365 security controls. Individual Dots can be provisioned with specific identities, credentials, and tools through existing enterprise systems.

Safety, Controls, and Privacy Considerations

OpenAI states that Dots adhere to the same permissions and controls as ChatGPT. The agents are designed to seek explicit approval before executing sensitive tasks like installing software or changing passwords. Furthermore, users can configure a Custom Rules tool to establish strict boundaries and define actions that require direct authorization.

Industry observers note that while safety guardrails are built in, trusting AI agents with automated workflows carries inherent privacy and security considerations. Users are advised to exercise caution regarding connected app data, and account settings allowing model training on user data will naturally carry over to agent interactions.

Sources

• 9to5GoogleOpenAI launches Dots, new ‘always-on agents’ you can assign tasks to
• WIREDOpenAI’s Dots Are Always-On AI Agents—and Its Answer to Meta’s Muse
• TechCrunchOpenAI launches Dots, its bubbly agentic avatar