OpenAI calls dots "remarkably capable, always-on agents built to handle everything." Underneath the bubbly avatars is a serious work tool: an agent on GPT-6 Astra with its own computer, its own credentials and a seat in your team's Slack. Here is what dots do, who can get one and what to watch for.
What are OpenAI dots?
OpenAI launched dots at DevDay on September 29, 2026 (TechCrunch). Each dot pursues the goals you give it continuously in the background, with minimal oversight. You start with a primary dot, name it and customize it. OpenAI's examples are work-shaped: a developer's dot that watches customer feedback and ships fixes, or a scientist's dot that reruns an analysis when new data arrives. OpenAI says it expects people to run "teams of dots" over time, with specialist dots for specific responsibilities.
Each dot has its own cloud computer and browser, connects to apps through ChatGPT's plugins, and can be provisioned with its own identity, credentials and tools through the systems a company already uses. OpenAI is also working with Microsoft to bring dots under Agent 365 security controls.
Where you can use a dot
- The ChatGPT apps on iOS, Android and desktop (including Windows), and ChatGPT on desktop web.
- Slack and Microsoft Teams, so a dot can sit in the channels where work happens.
- Text messages, as a limited beta for US Pro users.
- Your own computer, if you allow it.
How dots ask before acting
You set custom rules for what a dot may share, buy and access. It can sign in with saved passwords without the model seeing them, and some steps, such as changing a password, always stay with you. Sensitive actions are routed to you for review.
Scorecard: 14/20
| Criterion | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Autonomy | 5/5 | Long-running goals, its own computer, optional access to yours, and work channels. |
| Control | 4/5 | Custom rules, separate identities and an admin switch on Enterprise; Agent 365 integration is not finished. |
| Reach | 3/5 | Every ChatGPT app plus Slack and Teams, but Pro and Business Premium only and no EEA, UK or Switzerland. |
| Value | 2/5 | The most expensive entry point: from $100 a month for one dot. |
Scores are editorial, from OpenAI's announcements and coverage through November 5, 2026, not hands-on benchmarks.
Plans and pricing
Dots are included with ChatGPT Pro, which comes in tiers from $100 a month, and with Business Premium, reported at $100 per user a month billed annually or $125 monthly (FindSkill). Each account gets one dot. Enterprise workspaces have dots in beta, off by default.
Where dots fall short
- Price of entry. Every other big-lab agent starts at $30 a month or less.
- Not new under the hood. Much of this was already possible with Codex and other agent harnesses; dots package it for always-on work.
- Regions. No access in the EEA, the UK or Switzerland.
- One dot. The "team of dots" is a direction, not a product yet.
OpenAI dots vs the alternatives
- Claude Duet: closer to a personal chief of staff, with a morning brief and source citations, included with Claude Pro.
- Grok Bot: several bots on one cloud computer, with desktop apps everywhere, from $30 a month.
- Meta Muse: built for personal errands and WhatsApp, with a free plan.
- Gemini Spark: best for Google accounts, with up to 15 tasks running at once.
What are OpenAI dots?
Dots are always-on AI agents in ChatGPT, announced at OpenAI's DevDay on September 29, 2026. You start with a primary dot, name it and customize it, then give it goals. It works on them in the background on its own cloud computer and checks in when it needs you. OpenAI describes them as agents that run independently of any one device or interface.
How do I get OpenAI dots?
Dots are included with ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium in eligible markets, for users 18 and over. ChatGPT Free, Go and Plus do not include them. On Enterprise plans dots are in beta and off until a workspace admin enables them. Rollout is gradual, so an eligible account may not see its dot right away.
How much do OpenAI dots cost?
There is no separate price. The first dot comes with ChatGPT Pro, which starts at $100 a month, or Business Premium, reported at $100 per user a month billed annually. Each account gets one dot at launch; OpenAI has not priced extra dots.
Where can I use my dot?
In the ChatGPT apps for iOS, Android and desktop, on desktop web, and in Slack and Microsoft Teams. Texting your dot is a limited beta for US Pro users. A dot can also connect to your own computer if you give it permission.
Are OpenAI dots available in Europe or the UK?
No. As of November 2026 dots are not available in the European Economic Area, the UK or Switzerland.
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