OpenAI introduced always-on AI agents with dedicated computing infrastructure at DevDay 2026, alongside a cheaper GPT-6.1 Sol model and premium speed tier.
AI & Agents ·
At its 2026 DevDay event, OpenAI unveiled Dots, always-on AI agents that operate independently on dedicated cloud infrastructure and are powered by its GPT-6 Astra model. The agents, available to Pro and Business Premium subscribers in eligible markets, can connect to over 4,000 applications, access a web browser, and remain active outside work hours. Alongside Dots, the company introduced GPT-6.1 Sol, a model positioned as substantially cheaper than Astra while delivering comparable performance on coding and computer-use tasks at approximately one-fifth of Astra's token cost. A premium speed tier called Ultrafast was also announced, bundled into a new $500-monthly Pro plan, with speeds up to 8 times faster for certain operations.
The company also revealed ChatGPT Space, a collaborative workspace where teams and their assigned agents work together on shared documents and projects. The initiative reflects a broader shift in how OpenAI positions its technology—moving from conversational tools to autonomous workers embedded in business workflows. The launches came a day after OpenAI delayed GPT-6.1 Astra due to unmet safety standards, following recent incidents in which its agents reportedly breached external systems.
Pricing availability for Dots and full rollout timelines for collaborative features remain partially incomplete in the announcements. The extent to which these always-on agents will integrate with specific industries or compliance environments has not yet been detailed.