OpenAI launches persistent AI agents called Dots

OpenAI announced Dots at its DevDay event on September 29, introducing persistent AI agents that can work across connected apps and continue tasks in the background. Powered by GPT-6 Astra, each Dot runs on its own cloud computer and browser, the company said. OpenAI said Dots can connect to more than 4,000 apps through plugins, retain context and learn preferences from user feedback. Users can interact with them through ChatGPT on desktop, the web and mobile, and through Slack and Microsoft Teams. A Dot can also be connected to a user’s own computer, though that access is optional. The company described Dots as able to handle ongoing responsibilities rather than only responding to individual prompts. When not working on an assigned task, they can conduct what OpenAI calls proactive research using connected apps in read-only mode. According to OpenAI, this allows them to gather information but not send messages or change app content during that research. Users can inspect a Dot’s cloud computer while it works. OpenAI said users can set rules for which actions a Dot may take independently and which require approval.