{DevDay 2026} OpenAI gives its agents an identity and their own computer.

OpenAI is introducing dots, personal agents powered by GPT-6 Astra and equipped with their own cloud computer. They can continuously follow multiple projects, use more than 4,000 apps through plugins, and communicate through ChatGPT, Slack, Teams, SMS, or phone calls.

An agent that stays on the job

A task no longer necessarily needs to begin with a prompt. With dots, OpenAI is bringing agents into ChatGPT that are designed to retain goals over time and continue working in the background.

Each dot has its own identity, cloud computer, and browser. Powered by GPT-6 Astra, it can also write and test code while accessing apps its user has explicitly connected.

According to OpenAI, ChatGPT's plugin ecosystem gives dots access to more than 4,000 applications. A dot can follow several projects simultaneously and accept new tasks without requiring users to create a separate conversation for each one.

Users can open their dot's cloud computer at any time to inspect its work. They can also authorize it to connect to a personal device, such as a laptop. Working before a request arrives

OpenAI calls it "proactive research": a dot can continue looking for information that may be useful even when its user is not actively interacting with it.

This background mode is more restricted than normal operation. The dot can consult already connected apps, but the tools available during proactive research cannot send messages, modify app content, or control the user's browser or computer.

A dot could monitor incoming data and update an analysis, examine product feedback and prepare fixes, or revise launch materials as a product's scope changes.

In another example provided by OpenAI, an early tester's dot noticed that a publication had not been invoiced, prepared the invoice, and waited for approval before sending it. One context across ChatGPT, Slack, and SMS

Interaction with the agent is not confined to ChatGPT. A dot can be reached through the web, desktop, and mobile apps, as well as SMS, Slack, and Teams.

Context persists across those channels. A project started in ChatGPT can receive an additional instruction through SMS before more context is shared through Slack.

Dots can also contact users to report progress, ask questions, or surface decisions requiring their attention. Pro users can join a limited waitlist for messaging through iMessage and RCS.

Voice adds another channel: users can call their dot when speaking is more convenient than typing. Autonomous actions with configurable boundaries

Autonomy is governed by several layers of permission. Users choose which apps a dot can access and can define rules specifying which actions it can perform autonomously, which require approval, and which are blocked.

Actions that could affect accounts or share information are checked before execution. Some sensitive operations, including changing a password, remain exclusively reserved for the user.

Each dot runs on its own cloud computer by default, separate from the user's personal machine. For supported connections, saved passwords can be used without exposing them directly to the model.

OpenAI also states that dots can make mistakes and recommends human verification for high-stakes work. Dots with defined roles inside companies

A second version targets organizations. Unlike a personal dot, these specialized agents receive their own identity, credentials, system access, and clearly defined responsibilities from the company.

OpenAI has been testing this model across procurement, invoice processing, email marketing, customer support, and commercial contracts.

The company is also working with Microsoft to connect specialized dots with enterprise governance, identity, and security controls through Agent 365. IT teams could then manage agent access and supervise activity using existing Microsoft controls.

Dots are beginning to roll out to Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets. Enterprise workspaces can access a beta after activation by an administrator. The first dot is included with Pro and Business Premium plans, while OpenAI plans to offer monthly options for additional dots or increased task capacity in the future.