OpenAI has launched dots, a new kind of always-on AI agent that runs on its own cloud computer and keeps working on tasks in the background. The company announced the product on 29 September.

Dots run on GPT-6 Astra and connect to more than 4,000 apps through OpenAI’s plugin ecosystem. Users can reach a dot through ChatGPT on desktop, web and mobile, or message it in Slack and Teams. Voice calls are supported, and texting is listed as coming soon.

What dots can do on their own

Each dot has its own cloud computer and browser, which users can open at any time to check its work. With permission, a dot can also connect to the user’s laptop. OpenAI says dots learn from feedback over time and can run several projects at once.

The company’s examples include a dot that watches customer feedback, builds and tests small fixes, and returns pull requests with videos of the changes. Another revises launch materials when product scope shifts. One early tester’s dot noticed he had not invoiced a publication, prepared the invoice and sent it after his approval.

Safeguards for AI agents that work in the background

When a user is not actively working with it, a dot does what OpenAI calls “proactive research”, using connected apps through read-only tools. In that mode it cannot send messages, change app content or control the browser or computer.

Users can set Custom Rules to allow, block or require approval for specific actions. An auto-review step checks actions that could affect accounts or share information, and sensitive tasks such as changing a password always stay with the user. OpenAI says a monitoring system can pause or stop a dot if it detects a safety concern, and it warns that dots can still make mistakes, so consequential work should be reviewed.

OpenAI does not use content from ChatGPT Business, Enterprise or Edu workspaces to improve its models by default.

Specialist dots for enterprises

Beyond personal dots, OpenAI is piloting specialist dots that take on defined responsibilities inside a company. Each has its own identity, credentials and access to the systems it needs. The company says it is building on early testing inside OpenAI across procurement, invoice processing, email marketing, customer support and commercial contracting.

OpenAI is also working with Microsoft to bring specialist dots into Agent 365, so businesses can manage them through Microsoft’s existing governance and security controls. The pilots are limited for now, with OpenAI engineers working directly with participating organisations.

Availability and pricing

Dots are rolling out in ChatGPT to Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets. The first dot is included in the plan at no extra cost, with extended usage limits for the first month. Enterprise, Edu and Healthcare users can try the beta once their workspace admin enables it.

OpenAI plans to let users add more dots and scale each one’s speed or monthly workload later. Conversations with a dot do not count towards ChatGPT usage limits, but tasks it starts in Codex or ChatGPT Work do. The announcement links to a help centre page for eligible markets rather than listing them.