OpenAI launches dots, always-on ChatGPT agents with their own cloud computer

On September 29, 2026, OpenAI introduced dots (written in lowercase), always-on agents inside ChatGPT. Each dot was powered by GPT-6 Astra at launch, has its own cloud computer and browser, learns your preferences from feedback, and can link to more than 4,000 apps through OpenAI's plugin ecosystem. You can message or call your dot in ChatGPT on desktop, web and mobile, and also reach it in Slack and Microsoft Teams. A November 3 update added GPT-6.1 Terra to the models a dot can draw on.

When you are not working with it, a dot runs what OpenAI calls proactive research, using connected apps through read-only tools. Built-in rules decide when it acts and when it asks; Custom Rules let you allow, require approval for, or block actions, and Activity View shows background work. Sensitive tasks such as changing a password always stay with you. OpenAI says it does not train directly on proactive research or a dot's private notes.

Dots began rolling out in ChatGPT to Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets, with a beta for Enterprise, Edu and Healthcare workspaces once an admin enables it. The first dot is included in those plans at no extra cost, and conversations with it do not count toward ChatGPT usage limits, although tasks it starts in Codex or ChatGPT Work do. OpenAI also previewed specialist dots for enterprise pilots and said it is working with Microsoft to manage them through Agent 365.