OpenAI launches Dots: always-on AI agents inside ChatGPT

#What happened

OpenAI launched Dots on September 29, 2026, during the DevDay 2026 keynote in San Francisco, where CEO Sam Altman introduced them as "remarkably capable, always-on agents built to handle everything."

#What Dots are

Always-on AI agents living inside ChatGPT, powered by the GPT-6 Astra model. Each dot gets its own cloud computer and browser, connects to 4,000+ apps through OpenAI's plugin ecosystem, learns your preferences over time, and keeps working in the background 24/7 between conversations.

You message or call your dot in ChatGPT (web, desktop, and mobile), Slack, or Microsoft Teams. Texting support is coming soon.

Each dot has a customizable bubbly avatar and a name you choose. Everyone starts with one primary dot, with teams of dots envisioned later.

OpenAI also launched ChatGPT Space, a shared collaborative layer for people, ChatGPT, Codex, and Dots.

#Why it matters

#Safety model

Default rules govern when a dot acts alone versus when it asks for approval. You can set custom rules, and background "proactive research" runs in read-only mode.

#Enterprise

Specialist dots with their own identities and credentials are in pilot, with Microsoft Agent 365 security-controls integration underway.

#Availability

Rolling out September 29 to ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets. The first dot is included at no extra cost, and dot conversations don't count against ChatGPT usage limits. Tasks handed off to Codex or ChatGPT Work do count.

#Sources (verified September 29, 2026)

• TechCrunch: "OpenAI launches Dots, its bubbly agentic avatar"
• VentureBeat: "OpenAI launches Dots, always-on AI agent coworkers, and ChatGPT Space where they can collaborate with human teams"
• Adweek: "OpenAI Takes On Meta's Muse With Dots, an Always-On AI Agent"
• Barron's: "OpenAI Announces Enterprise-Focused 'Dots' AI Agents"