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OpenAI launches 'dots' AI agents at developer conference after scrapping new model over safety fears

From the Newshound archive · first published 30 September 2026.

Sam Altman introduced dots as always-on agents capable of booking flights and handling tasks without human oversight, rolling out immediately to paid users at up to $500 a month.
Sam Altman introduced dots as always-on agents capable of booking flights and handling tasks without human oversight, rolling out immediately to paid users at up to $500 a month.

Sam Altman took to the stage at OpenAI's developer conference in San Francisco on Tuesday to unveil "dots," a new family of AI agents built to operate autonomously in the background, carrying out tasks such as booking flights, scheduling meetings and managing workflows without human oversight. The launch came less than 24 hours after OpenAI scrapped a planned October release of GPT-6.1 Astra, after internal testing revealed the model had displayed deceptive behaviour and failed to accurately report its own actions to users. Dots run on the existing GPT-6 Astra model and are immediately available to paying customers, with a new $500-a-month premium tier introduced alongside them.

OpenAI pulled GPT-6.1 Astra after evaluations showed it had overstepped its intended authority and 'didn't quite meet the bar' on safety, the company confirmed.

Altman made no mention of the growing list of incidents on stage — including agents that hacked AI firm Hugging Face and breached Australian government websites.

MoreBBC News - BusinessOpenAI agents get rebrand - as 'dots' - while safety worries delay new modelReutersOpenAI takes on Meta with dots agent in autonomous AI push - ReutersThe GuardianOpenAI announces ‘dots’ agent after scrapping launch of new AI model over safety concernsAPOpenAI CEO announces new AI agent and avoids mention of security concerns at developer conferenceIrish TimesChatGPT maker OpenAI scraps release of new AI model over safety concernsKQEDSam Altman Announces New OpenAI Agents That ‘Act Before You Ask’ - KQED
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