At its DevDay 2026 event, OpenAI unveiled dots—persistently active AI agents running on their own cloud infrastructure and capable of multitasking across thousands of apps. Available initially to Pro and Business Premium users in select regions, dots aim to proactively assist users by learning preferences and performing tasks independently, with built-in safety controls to manage risks.
- Dots run 24/7 on separate cloud computers for each user
- Available to Pro and Business Premium users outside EEA, UK, and Switzerland
- Enterprise pilots of specialist dots underway for business automation
What happened
OpenAI launched a new feature called dots, which are AI agents that continuously operate on individual cloud computers. These agents use the GPT-6 Astra model to assist users by performing tasks autonomously and interfacing with over 4,000 apps through plugins. Users can communicate with their dots via ChatGPT on various platforms, as well as Slack and Teams, with texting support coming soon.
Dots learn from user feedback and preferences to proactively perform background research and task management when users are inactive. To ensure safety, dots operate on read-only modes for connected apps during proactive work, and users can review or connect their own devices to dots at any time. OpenAI has incorporated monitoring systems and custom rule settings to govern the actions dots may take independently.
Why it matters
The introduction of always-on AI agents marks a significant step in personal and enterprise AI assistance, potentially transforming how users delegate routine and complex tasks. By maintaining continuous operation and leveraging large-scale app integration, dots can increase productivity, reduce task friction, and provide tailored support.
OpenAI's design prioritizes control and safety, addressing common concerns about autonomous AI decision-making. Users maintain oversight and can restrict sensitive actions, which helps balance innovation with privacy and security. For businesses, specialist dots offer tailored automation capabilities, opening opportunities for AI-driven workflows across procurement, customer support, and contracting.
What to watch next
OpenAI is currently rolling out dots to Pro and Business Premium users in selected markets, excluding the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the UK for now. Monitoring adoption and feedback in these initial regions will be crucial to understand user experience and any emerging challenges with autonomous task management by AI agents.
Looking forward, OpenAI plans to expand specialist dots for enterprise roles and is collaborating with Microsoft to integrate these agents into Agent 365. The company is also balancing the advancement of its GPT models, having recently canceled the planned launch of GPT-6.1 Astra due to safety concerns, demonstrating ongoing commitments to responsible AI deployment.