Overview
OpenAI dots is a persistent agent released by OpenAI on September 29, 2026 at DevDay 2026, powered by GPT-6 Astra. Its core positioning is to give every user an agent that can reside long-term and work continuously: each dot has its own cloud computer and browser, can continuously execute tasks 24/7 across more than 4,000 connected apps, retains context across conversations, and can handle multiple ongoing projects at the same time. Users can reach their dot through ChatGPT, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, including voice calls, with SMS support coming later; after authorization, the dot can also connect to the user's laptop. The official demo showed scenarios such as delegating Slack requests, troubleshooting bugs, and preparing pull requests. At the same event, OpenAI also released ChatGPT Spaces, putting users, teams, and agents into the same workspace, and previewed professional dots for organizational responsibilities.
Key Features
- Persistent cloud computer and browser: Each dot has its own cloud computer and browser, and can continuously execute tasks 24/7 across more than 4,000 connected apps, without relying on the user's local device being always on.
- Context retention across conversations: A dot can retain context across different conversations and handle multiple ongoing projects at the same time, making it suitable for tasks that require long-term follow-up.
- Multiple entry points and voice calls: Users can reach their dot through ChatGPT, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, including voice calls, with SMS support coming later; after authorization, the dot can also connect to the user's laptop.
- Proactive background research and permission approval: The proactive background research feature uses read-only connected tools, and specific actions follow permission and approval rules; sensitive operations such as changing passwords, permanently deleting data, and installing software require explicit user approval.
- Professional dots and governance integration: OpenAI previewed professional dots for organizational responsibilities, each with independent identity, credentials, and system access permissions, integrated with Microsoft Agent 365's governance and security controls.
- ChatGPT Spaces collaborative workspace: ChatGPT Spaces, released at the same event, puts users, teams, and agents into the same workspace, making it easier to collaborate around tasks.
Use Cases
- Delegate requests in Slack, with the dot following up and advancing subsequent handling.
- Troubleshoot bugs and prepare pull requests, assisting with repetitive work in the development process.
- Continuously execute tasks across more than 4,000 connected apps, maintaining parallel progress on multiple projects.
- Use the proactive background research feature to collect and organize information with read-only connected tools.
- Professional dots for organizational responsibilities take on specific functions under independent identity, credentials, and system access permissions.
Pros
- Powered by GPT-6 Astra, with the continuous working capability of a persistent agent.
- Each dot has its own cloud computer and browser, and can execute tasks across more than 4,000 connected apps.
- Retains context across conversations and can handle multiple ongoing projects at the same time.
- Supports reachability through ChatGPT, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, including voice calls.
- Sensitive operations require explicit user approval, and proactive background research uses read-only connected tools, following permission and approval rules.
- The first dot does not charge an additional subscription fee, and is launched for ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets.
Pricing
The first dot does not charge an additional subscription fee, but Work and Codex tasks still consume plan usage. dots is launched for ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets, and enterprise, education, and healthcare workspaces can have beta enabled by administrators. Other pricing details are subject to the official website.
Summary
OpenAI dots is a persistent agent released on September 29, 2026, powered by GPT-6 Astra. Each dot has a cloud computer and browser, can work continuously 24/7 across more than 4,000 apps, and retains context across conversations. Users can reach it through ChatGPT, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, and sensitive operations require explicit approval. The first dot does not charge an additional subscription fee, is launched for ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium users, and enterprise, education, and healthcare workspaces can have beta enabled by administrators.
Version History
- OpenAI launches dots, always-on agents, at DevDay 2026 (2026-09-29): Powered by GPT-6 Astra, each dot gets its own cloud computer and browser and keeps working across more than 4,000 connected apps around the clock. Users reach it through ChatGPT, Slack and Microsoft Teams. It rolls out to Pro and Business Premium users, with the first dot included at no extra subscription charge.