Thought Leadership
The agents are powered by GPT-6 Astra, run on dedicated cloud computers, and can connect to more than 4,000 apps. The rollout is taking place gradually.
OpenAI has introduced dots, always-on AI agents in ChatGPT. They are powered by the GPT-6 Astra model, have their own cloud computer, and are designed to work around the clock toward their users’ goals. Through OpenAI’s plugin ecosystem, they can connect to more than 4,000 apps. Users can give their dot a name and customize its appearance. OpenAI has not said whether dots are related to the “o” assistant that previously appeared in hints within ChatGPT.
Their Own Identity, Their Own Browser
Each dot has its own identity for access and permissions, as well as its own cloud computer and browser. It can write and test code and work on multiple projects in parallel. Users can access the cloud computer to review its work and, if they choose, allow the dot to access their own devices, such as a laptop. Dots are accessible through ChatGPT on the web, in the desktop and mobile apps, by voice call, and through text messages, Slack, and Teams. They retain context across all channels.
Proactive Research in the Background
When the user is inactive, the dot can search in the background for tasks where it can provide assistance, according to OpenAI. The company calls this proactive research.
For this purpose, the dot uses restricted tools to access connected apps. These tools cannot send messages, modify app content, or control the browser or computer. OpenAI gives the example of a tester whose dot noticed that an invoice for a media outlet had not yet been sent and dispatched it after receiving approval.
Rules for Approvals
Actions involving accounts or potentially sharing information are automatically checked against the user’s instructions, custom rules, and security requirements. Users can specify which actions are allowed, require approval, or are blocked. Sensitive tasks, such as changing a password, always remain under the user’s control. Dots can use stored passwords for supported sign-in processes without exposing them to the model. If a dot detects a security risk, it can pause or stop the task. OpenAI notes that dots can make mistakes.
OpenAI says it does not use content from Business, Enterprise, and Edu workspaces to train its models by default. For personal subscriptions, users can choose whether their content is used for training. According to OpenAI, the company also does not directly train its models on proactive research or notes created by dots.
Specialized Dots for Businesses
For select businesses, OpenAI is launching a preview of specialized dots with their own identities, credentials, and defined areas of responsibility, such as procurement, invoice processing, or customer support. OpenAI is working with Microsoft to integrate these dots with Agent 365 as well as Microsoft’s identity and access controls.
Gradual Rollout
Dots are now rolling out gradually to ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets. Enterprise customers can access a beta once administrators enable it. The first dot is included with the subscription, along with an allowance for more demanding tasks. OpenAI plans to offer additional dots for a monthly fee in the future. Conversations with a dot do not count toward ChatGPT usage limits. However, tasks initiated by a dot in Codex or ChatGPT Work do count toward those limits.
(Editorial Team)
