Definition
OpenAI Dots are always-on personal agents inside chatgpt, powered by gpt-6-astra. Each Dot has its own cloud computer and browser, pursues user-defined goals in the background, and can connect to thousands of apps while messaging users through ChatGPT, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and (soon) SMS.
Key Points
- 2026-09-29: Launched at DevDay 2026 — shifts ChatGPT from reactive chat to persistent background agents (2026-09-29-openai-dots-agentic-avatar-launch, openai-dots-agentic-avatar-launch)
- Each Dot runs on dedicated cloud infrastructure; work continues when user devices are offline
- Specialist Dots can be provisioned with distinct identities, credentials, and tools; teams of Dots can coordinate on behalf of users
- microsoft Agent 365 security controls integration for enterprise governance
- Rollout: Pro 100/200/500 (excluding EEA/UK/CH), Business Premium worldwide, Enterprise (admin-enabled, off by default)
- Cartoon avatar branding positions Dots against meta’s muse-spark consumer agent
Dots bundle existing Codex/agent harness capabilities into a persistent, persona-driven product layer rather than introducing a wholly new model.
EEA, UK, and Switzerland excluded from Pro rollout at launch — regulatory constraints likely driver.
Related
- openai
- gpt-6-astra
- persistent-agents
- background-tasks
- agentic-commerce
- consumer-agentic-assistants
- computer-use