OpenAI Begins Rolling Out dots, Always-On GPT-6 Astra Agents With 4,000+ App Connections

OpenAI has introduced dots as AI agents designed to keep working over extended periods rather than only responding to one-off prompts. Powered by GPT-6 Astra, each dot has its own cloud computer and browser and can connect to more than 4,000 apps through OpenAI's plugin ecosystem. OpenAI says users can hand a project to a dot and let it keep moving while also adding new tasks and ideas across multiple ongoing projects.

Users can interact with a dot through ChatGPT on desktop, web and mobile, while Slack and Teams can carry the same working context across channels. Voice conversations are also supported. Users can open a dot's cloud computer at any time to inspect its work, and can explicitly allow it to connect to other devices such as a laptop. The product is designed around persistent collaboration, with dots learning from feedback and continuing work without requiring every step to be directed manually.

Safety and permissions are a central part of the design. A dot normally works on its own cloud computer, keeping a user's computer and files separate unless the user chooses to connect them. OpenAI says its background “proactive research” uses read-only tools for connected apps, so that background activity cannot send messages, change app content, or control the user's browser or computer. Existing ChatGPT app permissions, Custom Rules, approval checks and Activity View provide additional controls over what a dot may do independently and which actions require confirmation.

Dots are beginning to roll out to Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets, with the first dot included in those plans at no additional cost. Enterprise users can try the beta when a workspace admin enables it. Plans include an allowance for deeper work, while ordinary conversations with a dot do not count toward ChatGPT usage limits. Tasks that a dot starts or manages in Codex or ChatGPT Work still count toward the normal limits for those products.

OpenAI is also previewing specialist dots for organizations. These agents can be assigned their own identity, credentials and access to company systems for defined responsibilities. OpenAI says it is starting with focused enterprise pilots and is working with Microsoft on integrating specialist dots with Agent 365 governance and security controls.