OpenAI, the company behind the ChatGPT language model, has introduced a new type of AI called "dots." These AI agents run on a version of the GPT-6 model known as Astra and have their own cloud-based computers. Dots can access over 4,000 applications through plugins authorized by users, and they can be accessed through ChatGPT, Slack, Microsoft Teams, or voice commands. However, access to dots through Pro plans is currently unavailable in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The first dot is included in Business Premium seats and Pro plans, starting at $100 per month. Casey Newton, a technology reporter, shared an example of how dots work. His dot completed about two hours of work in an afternoon with only 15 minutes of effort, answering most of a questionnaire from his insurance broker. This AI had been working on its own virtual computer since July 2025, with scheduled tasks going back to January 2025 and proactive research beginning in September 2025. Workspace agents, which allow for more complex tasks, were launched in April 2026 for Business, Enterprise, Edu, and Teachers plans. OpenAI has opened an Agents API on September 10, allowing developers to define tasks, tools, and environments for dots. Payment is based on the number of tokens and tools used. Dots can use ChatGPT plugins, their own browser, and, if authorized, the user’s local computer. They can also use local skills and are included in a subscription-linked package. For companies like DataCamp, dots do not replace existing agent-building efforts but handle tasks that were previously unautomated. They add integration features, including a persistent identity across different platforms, adjustable autonomy, and automatic control of sensitive actions. Each dot is given a name, avatar, and identifier in the format @firstname-dot. Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, described them as helpful AI inspired by childhood movies, comparing them to a chief of staff. However, there is a divide in user preferences. Casey Newton noted that the design felt somewhat childish for a product that handles financial information, while Benedict Evans pointed out that the messaging mixes anthropomorphism with practical engineering use cases. Conversations with dots are not counted against ChatGPT’s usage limits, and in-depth work uses a subscription package that expands in the first month. Public documentation does not detail task scheduling, and load balancing remains a theoretical concept. Dots run on GPT-6 Astra, priced at $10 per million input tokens and $50 for output on the API. OpenAI admits it lacks computing power, with CFO Sarah Friar noting that the company had to give up some opportunities due to limited resources. OpenAI plans to add more dots and is exploring long-term teams of dots working together. It also offers specialized dots for companies and is working with Microsoft to make them administrable through Agent 365. The pricing model is shifting from tokens to agents, with plans ranging from Pro 100 to Pro 500. Access in France is through Business Premium seats or the Enterprise beta. OpenAI is not the first in this trend, as open source projects like OpenClaw and Meta's Muse also offer similar features. Analyst Adam Crisafulli notes that dots target professionals rather than the general public, which may reassure Meta. Casey Newton prefers paying $100 per month for a dot over using agents funded by transactions and suggested purchases.