OpenAI announced its new always-on AI agents, Dots, at DevDay 2026 in San Francisco on Tuesday. These tools execute tasks on a user’s behalf and appear as customisable blobs that can be assigned multi-step projects.
How they work
The agents run on the GPT-6 Astra model. Their design is always-on, meaning they continuously check the web for assigned tasks rather than waiting for a single chat turn. They also pull context from connected applications and learn user preferences over time.
In a demonstration, a Dot noticed a user was working through dinner time on their calendar. The agent proactively sent two GrubHub delivery options with prices. The user selected a meal and confirmed the order. Another example showed a user collaborating with the agent to launch a new website.
Users can access Dots through ChatGPT, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. Context is shared across these platforms. Pro subscribers can join a waitlist to text with their Dots via iMessage or Android RCS messaging.
The rollout begins today for ChatGPT Pro subscribers, which costs $100 a month. OpenAI typically launches features for this tier before expanding to other users. Users can start with one agent, but the company plans to allow control of multiple agents simultaneously in the future.
Dots require explicit approval for sensitive actions like installing software or changing passwords. A Custom Rules tool lets users set boundaries the agents cannot cross and specify tasks needing direct permission.
Personal agents are having a breakthrough moment
Personal agents are gaining traction. Early adopters in Silicon Valley adopted tools like OpenClaw at the start of the year. Meta’s Muse agent recently reached a wider audience by topping smartphone app download charts. Dots now enters the market against that momentum.
What it means
Subscribers to the $100 monthly plan get immediate access to agents that monitor their digital life. Users must configure custom rules to prevent unwanted actions. The ability to manage multiple agents at once is coming soon.
