OpenAI Dots Explained: ChatGPT's Always-On AI Agents (2026)
OpenAI's Dots are named, always-on agents inside ChatGPT, powered by GPT-6 Astra, that keep working on your goals while you're away. What they do, who gets them and what Australian businesses should know.
The short answer
Dots, launched at OpenAI's DevDay on 29 September 2026, are persistent, named AI agents inside ChatGPT and Codex. Powered by GPT-6 Astra, each Dot takes ongoing responsibility for work you give it and keeps making progress in the background — even when you're not chatting with it.
What a Dot is
A chatbot answers when you ask. A Dot is given a goal and works toward it continuously. As TechCrunch reported, Dots are designed to operate independently of any one device or interface. Coverage of the launch describes each Dot as having its own cloud computer, browser, memory and connected apps.
Key capabilities announced:
- Background work toward user-defined goals, with minimal supervision.
- Workplace channels — Dots can communicate through Slack, Microsoft Teams and similar tools, with text messaging coming.
- Specialist Dots with their own identities, credentials and tools.
- Teams of Dots that collaborate on bigger pieces of work.
- A name of your choosing for your primary Dot.
Key takeaway
Dots move ChatGPT from "answer my question" to "own this outcome". The value — and the risk — comes from what you let a Dot access and act on.
Who can use Dots
At launch, the first Dot is included for eligible ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium subscribers, rolling out market by market. Pro availability at launch excluded the EEA, UK and Switzerland. Australian availability wasn't spelled out in launch coverage, so check your ChatGPT plan settings.
OpenAI also said it is working with Microsoft to integrate Dots with Agent 365 security controls — relevant for businesses that manage access centrally.
Good first jobs for a Dot
- Monitoring a shared inbox or channel and drafting replies for review.
- Tracking a competitor or supplier website and summarising changes weekly.
- Keeping a project tracker up to date from team messages.
Keep a human approval step for anything that sends money, signs agreements or contacts customers.
What it means for Australian businesses
Agentic assistants are now mainstream products, not experiments. The businesses that benefit most will define clear, measurable jobs for agents and connect them to well-structured systems — tidy CRMs, documented processes and clean data. Agileitt's AI services help you choose the right agent, connect it safely and measure results.
Frequently asked questions
What model powers OpenAI Dots?
Dots are powered by GPT-6 Astra, according to OpenAI's DevDay announcement.
Do OpenAI Dots cost extra?
At launch, the first Dot was included at no extra charge with eligible ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium plans. Check OpenAI for current pricing in Australia.
Research and further reading
Details as reported at launch (October 2026); features, plans and availability change — check OpenAI for current information.
Knowledge Hub
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