OpenAI launches Dots, an always-on assistant inside ChatGPT

In short: OpenAI announced Dots, a new “always-on” assistant in ChatGPT that can keep working in the background on goals you set.

What happened

OpenAI introduced Dots at its Dev Day event in San Francisco on September 29. The company says Dots are personal assistants powered by its GPT-6 Astra system.

OpenAI describes Dots as “agentic” assistants. In simple terms, that means they are designed to do more than answer questions. They can also take ongoing action toward a goal, more like a helpful coworker who keeps a task list and follows up, instead of a search box you use once.

OpenAI says Dots are meant to work across different places, not tied to one device or one app screen. The company says they can keep running in the background with minimal oversight, while pursuing user defined goals.

Dots start rolling out on Tuesday inside ChatGPT for Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets. OpenAI also said users can message Dots through workplace tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams, and that text message support is coming soon.

OpenAI gave examples of how Dots might be used. One example was a software developer using a Dot to monitor customer feedback and then prepare bug fixes and requested features. Another example was a scientist using a Dot to rerun analysis as new data arrives and check unexpected results.

Why it matters

Tools that work “in the background” can save people time, but they also raise practical questions. For example, users may want clear controls over what an assistant can access, what it is allowed to do, and how it reports its work back, especially in workplaces.

Source: TechCrunch AI