OpenAI Dots: How it Works, Features & Use Cases
This review is researched from each provider's official pricing, plans and public user feedback — see our editorial process for how we keep it accurate.
OpenAI Dots are always-on AI agents that OpenAI introduced at DevDay 2026 in San Francisco on September 29, 2026. Each Dot works toward goals over time, using an AI model, its own cloud computer and browser, and connected apps. OpenAI says Dots can reach more than 4,000 apps through its plugin ecosystem. This article explains how Dots work, what they can do, who can access them, and where the public information stops.
What a Dot is
A Dot is a persistent agent. You give it a task, it works on that task in the background, and it returns to you when it needs a decision. According to OpenAI's documentation, each Dot has access to its own cloud computer and browser, so it can keep working when you are not in ChatGPT. The documentation says cloud work can continue while your devices are off.
Dots are powered by GPT-6 Astra, according to press coverage of the launch. OpenAI's materials describe Dots as a digital extension of the user for multi-step work, such as research, data analysis, document preparation, and software building.
How Dots work
Setup starts in the ChatGPT desktop app or a desktop browser. During setup you create your Dot, connect the apps you want it to use, and let it introduce itself. After that you can message it from mobile.
A Dot can use supported plugins that are installed and enabled on your account, together with the connected accounts behind them. OpenAI's documentation gives Gmail for email research, Google Drive for document collaboration, and GitHub for code investigation as examples.
You can connect one personal computer at a time. When that computer is online with ChatGPT open, the Dot can reach local files and apps. Local skills require this connection.
You can see what a Dot is doing. If the browser needs a step only you can take, you can take over the browser and then return control to the Dot.
What Dots can do
OpenAI's documentation describes Dots as able to research, analyze data, prepare documents, and build software. The launch materials give examples from internal use. A content team used a Dot to review interview transcripts, find clip-worthy moments, and draft program notes and social posts. A software team used Dots to analyze customer feedback, identify recurring issues, and prepare pull requests. A science team used a Dot to update analyses and charts when new data arrived, and to flag results for review.
OpenAI also says Dots can investigate bugs when they are mentioned in Slack and can build working apps when a design is ready. Press coverage described an early tester whose Dot noticed a forgotten invoice, pulled the details from an email thread, drafted it, and sent it as a PDF after approval. Treat these as examples reported by OpenAI and the press, not guaranteed results for your own setup.
Dots compared with a normal chat
A normal ChatGPT chat ends when you close it. A Dot is meant to keep a task moving across time and tools. The table below summarises the differences that the public material supports.
| Feature | Standard ChatGPT chat | OpenAI Dot |
|---|---|---|
| Runs when you are away | No | Documented as yes, via its cloud computer |
| Own cloud computer and browser | No | Yes, per OpenAI documentation |
| Connected apps | Varies by feature | Supported plugins on your account, with 4,000+ apps cited |
| Local computer access | Not a Dot feature | One personal computer at a time |
| Where you reach it | ChatGPT | ChatGPT, Slack, Microsoft Teams; texting planned |
| Human approval | You drive each step | Asks you when a decision is needed |
Who can use Dots
According to press coverage, Dots first rolled out to ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets. OpenAI's documentation lists access for Pro 100, Pro 200, Pro 500, Business Premium, and Enterprise plans. For Pro tiers, access is limited to users over 18 outside the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Enterprise access is described as rolling out worldwide and is disabled by default, with workspace administrators able to enable it.
The first Dot is described as included with Pro or Business Premium at no extra cost. Additional Dots and adjustments to speed or monthly workload capacity are described as coming later. We did not find confirmed prices for these options, so check the official ChatGPT pricing page.
Practical tips for a first Dot
Start with one clear, repeatable job, such as a weekly summary, an email triage routine, or a research brief. Connect only the accounts that job needs. Set the output format in your first message, for example a table, a draft for approval, or a list with links.
Review anything that leaves your control. Ask the Dot to draft emails, pull requests, or customer messages and approve them yourself before sending. Check figures, dates, and quotations against the source.
Keep your computer connection in mind. If the task needs local files, make sure your connected computer is online and ChatGPT is open on it. Otherwise, the Dot will work only from its cloud environment.
Use the take-over option when a login, captcha, or sensitive step needs a person. Return control once the step is done.
Limits and open questions
We could not confirm the full list of plugins available in every region, the exact usage limits for each plan, or the pricing of extra Dots. Press coverage and OpenAI's documentation differ slightly on the initial rollout tiers, so your own account settings are the final guide.
Dots are new as of late September 2026. Features may change quickly, and some capabilities described at launch may be limited or still in beta for certain plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Dot the same as ChatGPT?
No. A Dot is an always-on agent that you can reach through ChatGPT, Slack, or Microsoft Teams. It has its own cloud computer and browser.
Do I need to keep my laptop open?
Not for cloud work, according to OpenAI's documentation. You do need your connected computer online with ChatGPT open for local files and apps.
Can a Dot send emails for me?
It can use plugins you have enabled, so it may be able to act in connected apps. Keep approval steps in place for anything you cannot undo.
How much does it cost?
We did not confirm pricing. Check the official ChatGPT pricing page for current plans and any add-on options.
Conclusion
OpenAI Dots are a new kind of always-on agent that combines a model, a cloud computer, and connected apps. They suit repeatable knowledge work that spans email, documents, code, and chat. Confirm your plan, region, and connected apps in your account settings, and start with one small task before you rely on a Dot for anything important.
