OpenAI unveiled a sweeping set of new tools at its DevDay 2026 event, headlined by "dots" — always-on AI agents that operate their own dedicated computers — alongside a cheaper model called GPT-6.1 Sol and a premium speed tier priced at $500.
Agents That Never Log Off
The centerpiece of the event was OpenAI's push toward autonomous agents that don't need constant human supervision. The new "dots" are designed to run continuously, each equipped with its own virtual machine, allowing them to carry out multi-step tasks without waiting for a person to click through every action.
The idea marks a shift away from the chatbot model that made OpenAI a household name. Instead of prompting an assistant and waiting for a reply, developers can now assign a persistent agent a job and let it work in the background, tapping into files, tools, and applications as needed.
Giving AI agents their own computers turns a passive assistant into a worker that never clocks out.
For businesses, the pitch is straightforward: agents that can monitor systems, respond to events, and complete workflows around the clock could reshape how software gets built and operated. The approach also raises fresh questions about oversight, security, and how much control humans retain over machines running on their own.
Cheaper Models and a Premium Fast Lane
OpenAI also introduced GPT-6.1 Sol, a lower-cost model aimed at developers who want capable performance without the expense of the company's flagship offerings. The move continues an industry-wide trend of driving down prices as competition among AI providers intensifies.
At the other end of the spectrum, the company rolled out a $500 speed tier for users and organizations that need faster responses and higher throughput. The premium option reflects growing demand for low-latency AI in time-sensitive applications.
Key announcements from DevDay 2026 included:
- Dots, always-on AI agents each running on their own computer
- GPT-6.1 Sol, a more affordable model option
- A $500 tier focused on speed and performance
Taken together, the announcements underscore OpenAI's strategy of serving both cost-conscious developers and demanding enterprise customers while betting heavily on autonomous agents as the next phase of AI adoption.