# Dots

> OpenAI's always-on agents: each has its own cloud computer, keeps working towards a goal, learns from your feedback, and checks in with you.

**Category:** ChatGPT

**A dot is an agent that keeps going.** You give it a goal, and it works on it over time on its own cloud computer, reachable in ChatGPT, Slack, or Teams. It sends progress updates and asks when it needs a decision. When idle, it does background research with **read-only** app access.

At launch (September 2026), dots came with **Pro and Business Premium** (one included) and as a beta on Enterprise. Controls include **Custom Rules** to allow, require approval for, or block actions, an **Activity View**, and an automatic review of actions that could affect your accounts.

## At work

Most teams start automating with scheduled tasks. Treat dots as the next step, with the same habits: narrow access, approvals on risky actions, and a person reading the results.

## Often confused with

A scheduled task. A [scheduled task](/glossary#chatgpt-scheduled-task) runs one prompt at set moments; a dot is an always-on agent working towards a goal.

## Related terms

- Scheduled task (ChatGPT)
- ChatGPT Work
- App (ChatGPT)

## See it in a lesson

[Scheduling and automation](/en/learn/chatgpt/advanced/scheduling-and-automation)

## Further reading

- [Introducing dots](https://openai.com/index/introducing-dots/): OpenAI's announcement, plans, and controls.
- [ChatGPT release notes](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6825453-chatgpt-release-notes): Rollout updates.
- [ChatGPT Work and Codex](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex): How usage counts when a dot starts Work tasks.

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Last updated: 14/10/2026  
Source: Rollo Academy glossary