OpenAI launches ‘dots’ AI assistant to rival Meta and Google:Designed to take over tasks that usually require human effort; connects with 4,000+ apps

From booking a restaurant to helping build a website, OpenAI’s new AI assistant is designed to take over tasks that usually require human time and effort. Called ‘dots,’ the service is being positioned as an always-on personal assistant that can work independently on a user’s goals. OpenAI’s ‘dots’ can work around the clock OpenAI says dots is designed to do more than simply answer questions. Users can give the AI a goal, and it can work on the task independently, including completing steps across different apps and services. The company describes dots as an assistant that can keep working in the background, potentially helping users with projects they may not have enough time to complete themselves. OpenAI said: The magic of dots is when they bring you work done the way you would do it, sometimes before you even think to ask. Connects with more than 4,000 apps OpenAI says dots can connect with more than 4,000 apps and services, including workplace platforms such as Slack and Microsoft Teams. This lets the AI agent perform tasks on a user’s behalf instead of simply giving instructions. For example, an agent could potentially gather information from connected services, organise it, and complete a task based on the user’s instructions. The assistants are powered by OpenAI’s latest GPT-6 Astra model, according to the company.
How is dots different from Meta’s Muse and Google’s Gemini Spark? OpenAI’s launch comes as several major technology companies are developing AI assistants that can perform tasks more independently. Meta’s Muse and Google’s Gemini Spark are also positioned as AI assistants that can help users with tasks rather than simply responding to individual questions. The key difference is in how each company is positioning its assistant: As these assistants develop, the focus is shifting from “ask AI a question” to “give AI a task and let it complete the work.” Also read: Planning to buy power bank? Know which one suits best: Check these 5 things before choosing the right one for your phone, tablet, or laptop

OpenAI adds safety controls Giving AI agents access to apps and computers also creates new privacy and security concerns. OpenAI says dots includes additional safeguards to reduce these risks. One of the features is a ‘read-only’ mode. When enabled, the agent can access information but cannot control the user’s browser or computer while the person is away. The company says these protections build on the safety measures already used in its AI models. Launch comes amid AI safety concerns The launch comes at a time when AI companies are facing growing questions over the risks of increasingly autonomous AI systems. OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta, xAI and Nvidia were among six technology companies that joined a voluntary AI standards agreement announced by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Under the agreement, the companies committed to stronger internal controls and working with external auditors to check whether their AI safety measures are effective. OpenAI has also recently faced scrutiny over hacking incidents involving its AI agents. The company said on Monday that it would not release its newest GPT-6.1 Astra model after identifying safety issues during internal testing. With dots, OpenAI is now pushing AI assistants a step further, from tools that respond to users to agents that can work on their behalf.