OpenAI has launched Dots, a set of always-on personal AI agents that keep working on a user’s goals in the background, even when no one is chatting with them. The company showcased them at DevDay 2026, and a gradual rollout began on September 29.
Dots run on GPT-6 Astra. Each has its own cloud computer and browser, and can reach more than 4,000 apps through ChatGPT’s plugin ecosystem. Users can start a task in ChatGPT and continue with the same agent in Slack or Microsoft Teams. Demo uses include monitoring Slack alerts, investigating bugs, updating presentations and turning interview transcripts into social posts.
OpenAI is stressing controls. Background research uses read-only tools, and Custom Rules let users require approval for, or block, specific actions. An Activity View lets people monitor and redirect the work, and sensitive tasks such as changing a password stay with the user.
Dots are rolling out to ChatGPT Pro (from $100 a month) and Business Premium subscribers in eligible markets. Pro is not available in the EEA, Switzerland or the UK. Enterprise gets a beta that an admin must switch on. Dot usage will not count against plan allowances for the first month.
The launch puts OpenAI against Meta’s Muse, released on September 8. Muse is aimed at consumers, with a free tier and a $20-a-month plan, and has expanded into WhatsApp and Meta’s AI glasses. It passed 2.5 million US downloads by September 21, according to Sensor Tower. Google markets Gemini Spark as a “24/7 personal AI agent” for its Workspace, Search and Android surfaces.
Neither OpenAI nor Meta has said how many people use their agents day to day.
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