# OpenAI's Dots explained: AI agents that get their own computer

> OpenAI launched Dots, always-on AI agents each with a cloud computer, at DevDay.

*At DevDay 2026, OpenAI launched always-on "dots" that work round the clock, plus a cheaper new model and a $500-a-month Pro tier.*

By Behzad Hosseini · SuggestedTech
Canonical: https://suggestedtech.com/news/openai-s-dots-explained-ai-agents-that-get-their-own-computer

OpenAI used its annual developer conference, DevDay, to launch a new kind of assistant that does not wait for you to type a message. Called Dots, these agents work in the background around the clock, each with its own computer in the cloud.

## What happened

OpenAI held DevDay in San Francisco on Tuesday, with chief executive Sam Altman giving the keynote. The company announced more than 20 products and features, according to [BGR](https://www.bgr.com/2272332/openai-devday-2026-announcements/).

The headline launch was Dots: always-on agents built on OpenAI's GPT-6 Astra model. Each dot gets its own cloud computer and web browser, and works towards goals a user sets it, rather than only responding to single requests. Dots can connect to more than 4,000 apps and be reached through the ChatGPT desktop and mobile apps, the website, Slack, Microsoft Teams and even voice calls. Users can set rules requiring their approval for certain actions, or blocking them outright; password changes always need a human's sign-off.

OpenAI said: "Your first dot is included in your Pro or Business Premium plan at no extra cost." Dots are OpenAI's response to Meta's Muse, launched 8 September, and SpaceXAI's Grok Bot, in beta since 11 August, according to [Decrypt](https://decrypt.co/379584/openai-ai-agents-computers-devday-2026-everything-announced).

OpenAI also released a new model, GPT-6.1 Sol, just a week after GPT-6 Sol. The company says it nearly matches its flagship GPT-6 Astra model on coding and computer-use tasks, at a fifth of the price. Independent benchmarking firm Artificial Analysis scored it 52 on its Intelligence Index, against 58 for Anthropic's Claude Opus 5.5, but found it far cheaper to run: about $0.72 per task versus $5.98.

The day before DevDay, OpenAI cancelled the planned release of a more powerful model, GPT-6.1 Astra, saying it did not meet the company's safety standards.

## What it means for you

If you pay for ChatGPT Pro ($200 a month) or Business Premium, you can now get a dot included at no extra cost, with the option to add more. Enterprise, education and healthcare versions are coming in beta once an administrator approves them.

Pricing for the top plans is also changing. The $200 Pro plan now gives 10 times the usage of the basic Plus plan, down from 20 times, though existing subscribers keep the higher allowance for now. A new Pro 500 plan, at $500 a month, offers 25 times Plus usage and includes a faster response speed called Ultrafast, which runs up to 8 times quicker in OpenAI's coding tool Codex.

Developers also gain plugin extensions, letting full apps run inside ChatGPT and Codex on any plan, and a "Sign in with ChatGPT" option now offered by 16 partners including Notion and Vercel.

## How to try it

Dots are live now for ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium subscribers in eligible markets. GPT-6.1 Sol is available immediately in the API and in ChatGPT Work and Codex for Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Edu users. The $200 Pro plan, which had paused new sign-ups on 10 September, is open again to new subscribers.

## Key takeaways

- Dots are AI agents that run non-stop on their own cloud computer and browser
- Your first dot is free with a Pro ($200) or Business Premium plan
- New GPT-6.1 Sol model is far cheaper than rivals but scores lower on one benchmark

## Sources

- [Everything OpenAI Announced At DevDay 2026, Including Its Muse Alternative](https://www.bgr.com/2272332/openai-devday-2026-announcements/) — BGR, 2026-09-29
- [OpenAI Gave AI Agents Their Own Computers at DevDay 2026. Here's Everything It Announced](https://decrypt.co/379584/openai-ai-agents-computers-devday-2026-everything-announced) — Decrypt, 2026-09-29