Agents with their own computers. Work that keeps going overnight.
OpenAI's biggest developer event put always-on agents, cheaper frontier models and team collaboration at the centre. AI is becoming a colleague, not a tool.
By the Xuru Technologies team · 30 September 2026
Key takeaways
- "dots" are always-on agents running ongoing tasks on their own cloud computers, connected to chosen apps.
- GPT-6.1 Sol offers near-Astra capability at about one-fifth of Astra's standard price.
- ChatGPT Space, Live Pages, Slack and Teams integrations bring AI into team work.
- Private intelligence adds zero data retention options.
With more than 20 announcements, DevDay showed where business AI is going: continuous agents, shared workspaces and tighter privacy controls.
What happened
OpenAI's DevDay recap listed the launches, including an Agents API with computer use and an OpenAI Marketplace with partners like Adobe, Salesforce and Figma.
What it means for businesses
- Continuous automation. Agents can monitor and act on tasks all day.
- Lower costs at the top. Strong models at a fraction of the price.
- Privacy options improve. Zero-retention settings ease data concerns.
Where always-on agents help
| Task | Guardrail |
|---|---|
| Monitoring enquiries and bookings | Escalate anything unusual to a person. |
| Keeping reports up to date | Read-only data access. |
| Following up leads | Approve messages before sending. |
| Watching competitors' prices | Public data only. |
Frequently asked questions
What are OpenAI dots?Always-on agents announced at DevDay 2026 that handle ongoing tasks on their own cloud computers, connected to apps you choose.
Always-on agents announced at DevDay 2026 that handle ongoing tasks on their own cloud computers, connected to apps you choose.
What is GPT-6.1 Sol?An upgraded model with strong coding and computer-use performance at roughly one-fifth of GPT-6 Astra's standard token price.
An upgraded model with strong coding and computer-use performance at roughly one-fifth of GPT-6 Astra's standard token price.
Should small businesses use always-on agents?For well-defined, low-risk tasks with clear limits and approvals, they can save significant time.
For well-defined, low-risk tasks with clear limits and approvals, they can save significant time.
Agents that work while you sleep.
Always-on, permissioned agents for enquiries, follow-ups and reporting.
Websites, payments, digital marketing, AI automation, consultancy and practical technology training — for businesses and aspiring professionals worldwide.
Saturday – Sunday: closed
Leave a Reply