OpenAI announced Dots on September 29, 2026, as GPT-6 Astra-powered agents designed to carry user-defined work between conversations. Dots can conduct background research and run scheduled tasks from their own cloud computers, while some actions require user approval or a handoff.
What Dots can do between conversations
A regular ChatGPT prompt answers a request in a conversation; Dots are designed to retain project context and keep working on tasks between conversations. Users can schedule reminders or recurring checks, and pause or redirect a Dot’s work.
OpenAI says each Dot has its own cloud computer and browser. Its plugin ecosystem can connect Dots to more than 4,000 apps, although the apps available to a user may vary. OpenAI lists ChatGPT, Slack, and Microsoft Teams as ways to access Dots.
Background research has limits
OpenAI says a Dot’s proactive research uses read-only tools to review permitted connected information and save private notes. That research cannot directly send messages, change content in connected apps, or control a browser or desktop.
Other actions follow user-set rules: a Dot may be allowed to proceed, asked to seek approval, or required to hand the task back. Purchases using saved merchant cards require approval. Password changes and transfers between financial accounts are handed back to the user. OpenAI also warns that Dots can make mistakes, so important work still needs review.
The Activity View lets users check task status, add context, redirect work, or stop it. Connecting a personal computer is optional and starts turned off; users can grant and revoke that access. Disconnecting an app stops new information sharing through that connection but does not delete information already learned. Deleting a Dot is required to delete its saved memories.
OpenAI says content in Business, Enterprise, and Edu workspaces is not used to train models by default. On personal plans, model-improvement settings govern eligible conversations and work. Background research notes are not directly used for training, though they can become part of an eligible task’s context.
Access and the US texting beta
OpenAI says Dots are rolling out gradually, with access dependent on plan and market. The first Dot is included in eligible Pro or Business Premium plans. OpenAI says eligible Pro, Business, and Enterprise users’ Dot usage will not count toward plan allowances for the first month.
In the US, the limited texting beta is restricted to Pro users, and access may not be available to every Pro account.
