OpenAI Launches Dots AI Agents as Meta Muse Competitor

OpenAI announced Dots, a new line of always-on AI assistants, at its annual DevDay conference on Tuesday, September 29. The product is designed to compete with Meta's recently launched Muse personal agent. Dots are powered by OpenAI's GPT-6 Astra model and operate autonomously using a cloud computer to access a web browser and over 4,000 supported applications. Users interact with Dots through a text-message-like interface or voice calls via ChatGPT on web, desktop, and mobile platforms. Dots can integrate with Microsoft Teams and Slack, carrying context across apps and devices, and will soon support text-message communication.

Dots are designed to proactively complete tasks on behalf of users while learning their preferences over time. Each user can currently create one Dot, though OpenAI plans to support multiple agents per user in the future. The system includes built-in safeguards: users can set custom rules to block certain actions or require permission before execution, and an "auto-review" feature verifies compliance with safety requirements and custom rules. OpenAI is rolling out Dots starting today to ChatGPT Pro, Business Premium, and Enterprise users. The company is also testing a feature allowing organizations to create specialized Dots for specific roles.

The announcement comes one day after OpenAI delayed the rollout of an advanced AI model due to internal safety concerns. CEO Sam Altman acknowledged during a question-and-answer session that the company is investing more in safety, security, and monitoring of AI agents. Altman emphasized that AI should focus on giving people more control over their lives rather than automating everything, stating: "The best version of AI is not about making people cogs in a giant machine, ever whirring faster and faster." He also called for a "centrist path" on AI regulation, expressing hope that the industry would adopt "a more sensible, more pragmatic stance" than some members have shown.

OpenAI's product launch occurred as President Donald Trump held a White House lunch with major tech leaders, including OpenAI president Greg Brockman, to discuss AI oversight. Trump reiterated his preference for industry self-regulation over government control, and discussed creating a ten-person committee to oversee the sector. OpenAI also announced the release of GPT-6.1 Sol, an upgraded version of GPT-6 Sol, and a premium "Ultrafast" speed tier. Both OpenAI and rival Anthropic have faced scrutiny over AI agents acting unexpectedly—OpenAI has dealt with incidents involving unauthorized access to external platforms and unprompted actions since July. Altman raised concerns about potential "loss of control" over AI systems, particularly given concentration of power in a small number of companies.