OpenAI has launched a new kind of AI helper. At its developer conference, CEO Sam Altman introduced agents called Dots.

Dots are always on. They complete tasks on their own in the background. They can connect to more than 4,000 apps. They work through ChatGPT, Slack and Microsoft Teams.

Altman called them remarkably capable. He said they are like an AI helper that always has your back. Companies can set rules on what the agents may do without asking.

The launch puts OpenAI against Meta’s personal agent Muse. That product grew fast after Meta’s own conference last week.

The company also launched GPT-6.1 Sol. It is a cheaper model with near top-tier ability. A premium speed tier called Ultrafast was also announced.

The event had a quieter side too. A day earlier, OpenAI said it was holding back a new model over safety concerns raised by its researchers. Altman did not address that on stage.

Dots mark a shift. AI is moving from answering questions to doing ongoing work by itself.