OpenAI launches always-on Dots agents to rival Meta's Muse

At its DevDay 2026 developer conference, OpenAI introduced "Dots," always-on AI agents that run around the clock on their own cloud computers and handle tasks like research, data analysis, and coding by themselves.

Users can reach the agents through ChatGPT, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. When no one is working with them, Dots look for ways to help in the background using read-only access, and they need the user's approval before taking sensitive actions.

One Dot comes with the subscription, but Pro users in Europe can't access the feature for now. Business customers get more extensive options.

OpenAI's new Dots are built to handle work tasks on their own, like fixing a bug someone reported in Slack or sending out a forgotten invoice, sometimes before anyone asks. Alongside them, OpenAI is releasing GPT-6.1 Sol, a cheaper model. The top-end GPT-6.1 Astra is being held back over safety problems.

OpenAI introduced Dots at its DevDay 2026 developer conference. According to the company, they're always-on agents that take over ongoing tasks, keep an eye on projects, and reach out when something needs the user's attention. Each Dot has its own cloud computer with a browser, so it can work around the clock. There it does research, analyzes data, writes documents, or builds software through Codex. Dots run on GPT-6 Astra.

Technically, Dots are similar to Meta's Muse agent, which launched three weeks earlier. According to Meta, Muse also runs on its own secured computer with a browser, keeps working in the background, and asks for approval before taking sensitive actions.

Plugins let a Dot connect to more than 4,000 apps and move several projects forward at the same time. OpenAI says the agent learns from feedback how its user works and what they consider a good result. Users can reach their Dot through chat or voice calls in ChatGPT, and also in Slack and Microsoft Teams. The Dot keeps its context across all of these channels, OpenAI says.

The idea is that working with a Dot should feel more like messaging a coworker. Every Dot has a name and a cartoon avatar. In OpenAI's demos, the desktop app shows the chat on the left. A second window on the right shows what the agent is working on, whether that's a Google Slides presentation or its cloud computer with a browser, terminal, and file storage. If the Dot is in control, users can click "Take over" to step in.

That's the main difference from Computer Use in ChatGPT Work, where users start each task individually and the agent operates their own screen. A Dot works on its own computer by default and hands tasks off to Codex when it needs to. It can only access the user's laptop with permission.

In one internal case, OpenAI says a Dot followed a bug reported in Slack all the way to a working new build. For an early tester, the agent spotted a forgotten invoice, prepared it, and sent it once the tester approved. Each user gets one Dot at launch, but OpenAI's long-term plan is whole teams of Dots working together.

OpenAI's demos also include everyday errands, like ordering food by text message. The company says that feature is coming soon.

Dots take initiative, but only with read access

When nobody is actively working with it, a Dot looks for ways to help in the background. OpenAI calls this "proactive research." In this mode, the agent only uses read-only tools, which can't send messages, change content, or control a browser or computer.

For active tasks, a set of ground rules decides when a Dot acts alone and when it checks in first. Custom Rules let users allow individual actions, require approval for them, or ban them outright. OpenAI says an automated check reviews any action that touches accounts or shares information against those rules before it goes through. Sensitive tasks like changing a password always stay with the human.

A Dot can also use saved passwords without the model ever seeing them. Safeguards are supposed to block malicious instructions, and a monitoring system can pause or stop the work if safety concerns come up. An Activity View shows what the Dot is working on, including tasks running in the background. OpenAI admits Dots can make mistakes and recommends double-checking any results that carry real consequences.

OpenAI says it doesn't train on content from Business, Enterprise, and Edu workspaces by default. Users on personal plans decide for themselves whether their Dot's conversations and work can be used for training. OpenAI also says it doesn't train directly on the background research or the notes a Dot keeps for itself.

The first Dot comes with the subscription, and chatting with it doesn't count against usage limits. Tasks it kicks off in Codex or ChatGPT Work count as usual. Limits are expanded for the first month. More Dots, extra speed, or more work volume will cost extra later on.

OpenAI is going further for businesses with specialized Dots that take on fixed roles inside an organization. These get their own identity, their own credentials, and, if the company wants, computers supplied by IT. OpenAI says it has tested them internally in purchasing, invoice processing, email marketing, customer support, and contract management. The rollout starts with pilot projects at individual companies. OpenAI is also working with Microsoft to bring the specialized Dots to Agent 365, Microsoft's management platform.

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