OpenAI launches Dots, always-on agents with their own computer
Dots are persistent agents powered by GPT-6 Astra that work in the background in ChatGPT, Slack and Teams and ask for approval before sensitive actions.
At its DevDay event on September 29, OpenAI launched Dots, a personal agent powered by GPT-6 Astra. OpenAI describes them as "remarkably capable, always-on agents built to handle everything". TechCrunch notes they are meant to work independent of any one app or device, pursuing your goals continuously in the background with minimal oversight.
How they work
Each dot has its own computer and browser in the cloud, so it can keep working when your laptop is off. You give your first dot a name and a look (shape, color, eyes, glasses), and you can reach the same dot through ChatGPT, Slack, Microsoft Teams or a voice call. Text messages are coming later. A dot keeps notes and memory across those channels and uses background agents to run several tasks in parallel.
OpenAI's examples include a developer's dot that monitors customer feedback and prepares bug fixes, and a scientist's dot that reruns analysis as new data arrives. It also previewed specialist dots for organizational roles, with their own identities, credentials and tool access, and is working with Microsoft to bring them under Agent 365 governance controls.
Safety and access
Dots do research in a read-only mode. Before an action affects your accounts or shares information, a review step decides whether the dot may proceed, needs your approval, or must hand the step to you. You can add custom rules and use a Take over button to control its browser yourself.
OpenAI's docs say dots roll out gradually: Pro for users over 18 outside the EEA, UK and Switzerland, Business Premium worldwide, and Enterprise only when an administrator enables them.
Why it matters
TechCrunch notes that much of this was already possible with Codex and similar tools. The change is the package: one persistent agent with a name, memory, a computer and chat access, aimed at normal work and not only coding. The bubbly look is also a deliberate choice, similar to Meta's Muse.
Dany's take
Persistent agents are where the whole industry is heading, and OpenAI is now in the race against Meta and others. The cute dots are friendly packaging for something powerful: software that acts for you while you sleep. That is exactly why the approval rules matter more than the avatar. I would start with read-only research tasks and add permissions slowly.
Source: TechCrunch, OpenAI launches Dots. Product details from OpenAI's Dots documentation.
Source: techcrunch.com