OpenAI Launches "Dots": Background AI Agents Designed for Autonomous Task Execution

While Meta's "Muse" avatar agent has been creating significant buzz in the artificial intelligence space, OpenAI announced the rollout of "Dots" as continuous background agents that can be customized to suit your various workflow requirements.

The "Dots" feature arrived as a major announcement during the DevDay 2026 developer conference, providing users with an intelligent way to assign tasks to an AI agent operating entirely in the background. The company explains that these agents, driven by the GPT-6 Astra model, possess their own "dedicated cloud computer," enabling them to complete requested workflows with exceptional efficiency. You can interact with them directly through ChatGPT, Slack, or Teams as soon as configuration is complete.

OpenAI elaborates on the feature's core capabilities by stating:

Dots represent advanced intelligence that supports you every step of the way. Powered by the GPT‑6 Astra model, these agents feature an independent cloud computer, learn from feedback over time, and can work toward your objectives 24/7. Through our extension ecosystem, they connect effortlessly with over 4,000 apps, giving them the tools needed to assist wherever you need them.

Your Dot is always within reach, whether through ChatGPT, Slack, or Teams. You can ask questions, explore ideas, and provide feedback along the way, or simply jump on a voice call when you need to discuss something. The more you work together, the better your Dot learns your preferences, your thinking patterns, and what you consider standard and ideal.

Examples shared by OpenAI regarding how they use "Dots" internally include agents automatically investigating code bugs mentioned in Slack, generating functioning applications once a "new design" is finalized, and more. Other examples feature an agent noticing an unsubmitted invoice and drafting it for user approval. Additionally, Dots perform "proactive research" when not actively engaged in a task by utilizing read-only connections to your linked tools.

As a user, you can view the agent's dedicated cloud computer at any time while it processes a task, as well as grant it permission to utilize your personal machine.

OpenAI also adds that Dots agents adhere to the same permissions and controls as standard ChatGPT features, while supporting custom rules regarding when they can act autonomously versus when they require prior approval.

Dots agents are available today for Pro and Business Premium subscribers, with availability expanding to Enterprise users once workspace administrators approve access. Each account includes one agent under these tiers, with the company confirming plans to allow additional agents in the future. Dots agents must be initially created via the ChatGPT desktop application, but can subsequently be interacted with through the mobile app.

Additional Announcements from the Developer Conference

During the developer conference, OpenAI also announced several key updates:

• GPT-6.1 Sol: Intelligence nearing Astra's level at one-fifth of the cost.
• The new ChatGPT Pro tier priced at $500 per month.
• GPT-6 Astra Ultrafast model coming "very soon."
• Private enterprise AI arriving "this fall."
• Cloud-based execution for Codex is now live.
• Updates to the Codex CLI tool.
• Decisions API.
• Agents API with Computer Use capability.
• Managed Bedrock agents.
• New ChatGPT extensions.
• ChatGPT Space facilitating collaborative work between humans and Dots.
• Integration of @ChatGPT in Slack and Microsoft Teams.

What are Dots agents and what is their primary purpose?

Dots are continuous 24/7 background artificial intelligence agents designed to assist individual users and enterprises in executing various workflows automatically without requiring constant supervision.

What underlying technical models power Dots?

Dots agents rely primarily on the advanced GPT-6 Astra AI model, with each individual agent maintaining its own dedicated cloud-based computing environment to process workloads.

Who is currently eligible to use Dots agents?

The feature is currently available to subscribers of the paid Pro and Business Premium tiers, as well as Enterprise corporate users following workspace administrator approval.

How can users begin creating Dots agents?

Dots agents must be initially created through the ChatGPT desktop application. Once set up, users can easily interact with them via the mobile app on the go.

Which platforms support interaction with Dots agents?

Users can interact with Dots agents across several core platforms, including the ChatGPT application, alongside popular collaboration platforms Slack and Microsoft Teams.

🔎 In summary, OpenAI's introduction of "Dots" opens new frontiers in task automation, providing businesses and individuals with powerful tools to execute workloads seamlessly in the background. Backed by independent cloud capabilities and deep integration with major enterprise communication tools, this launch reinforces a new era of AI-driven productivity.