01What Is OpenAI Dots and How It Works

OpenAI Dots is an AI agent that works in the cloud or on your local computer, designed to handle tasks 24/7. It is similar to other agents like Grokbot, OpenClaw, or Hermes Agent.

You interact with Dots through the ChatGPT app or browser. It has its own computer in the cloud where it can search, create documents, and perform tasks like booking a table. The idea is that you give it a task, and it works while you are away.

In this episode, Julian Goldie tested Dots and found the experience is still rough. The agent is meant to be an extension of you, but it feels basic and slow. The cloud computer use is especially sluggish, taking minutes to do simple actions.

02Key Features of OpenAI Dots

Dots come with several features that promise to make your work easier. Here are the main ones Julian found:

  • Cloud computer – Dots has its own computer in the cloud that works 24/7.
  • Local computer option – You can switch to using Dots on your own computer.
  • Customization – You can name your dot, change its color, and even give it a pet.
  • Avatar creation – Dots can make an avatar based on your preferences.
  • Call feature – You can start a call with your dot, but it did not answer in the test.
  • Research and documents – Dots can create PDFs and do research for you.
  • Image generation – It can generate images, but the image preview did not load during the test.
  • Website creation – It can create quiz websites with nice designs.
  • Take over screen – You can take control of the cloud computer when needed.
  • App connections – Dots claims to connect to 4,000 apps, but the method is not obvious.

03How to Set Up OpenAI Dots

To get started with OpenAI Dots, you need a ChatGPT Pro plan. Julian notes that access can vary by region and account type. For example, his business account could not access Dots even on the Pro plan, but his personal account could.

  1. Open the ChatGPT app or browser version.
  2. Look for the Dots option in the interface.
  3. Choose where Dots will work – cloud computer or local computer.
  4. Name your dot and customize its color and pet.
  5. Click customize to give it a profile or make an avatar.
  6. Use the start call button if you want to speak to your dot.
  7. Connect apps via the plugin section or ask Dots how to connect (it recommends Zapier MCP).

Remember, if you upgrade to Pro and then find Dots is not available, you might have wasted money. Check your account type and region first.

04How to Use OpenAI Dots for Tasks

Using OpenAI Dots is straightforward, but be patient because it is slow. In the episode, Julian tried several tasks.

First, he asked Dots to create an avatar. It took 20 to 30 minutes and did not complete it. He then asked for a brief on OpenAI Dev Day 2026, and Dots did break it down step by step.

The research was useful, but slow.

Next, he tested the cloud computer. He asked Dots to search for the latest AI automation news. It took about a minute to start and then researched slowly.

He also tested booking a table at an Italian restaurant in Morecambe for 7:30 p.m. The task took four to five minutes to reach the booking page, and it even opened the terms and conditions before booking.

You can also take over the screen mid-task if you need to fill in a form or log in. Dots can work on its own, but Julian recommends supervising it because it is slow.

05Test Results and Comparisons

Julian compared OpenAI Dots to other AI agents. He found it much slower than Claude Sonnet 5.5 or Opus 5.5. He says using Claude with browser use would be faster and more reliable.

He also compared Dots to Grokbot, which he found smoother and more functional. The call button in Dots did not work, which was a major flaw. The avatar creation took over 20 minutes, while he expects similar animations to be done in five to six minutes with Sonnet 5.5.

The booking of the table eventually worked, but it took five minutes and opened unnecessary pages. Julian was not impressed with the speed or the overall experience. He called Dots a version of Hermes Agent for beginners, but not a smooth one.

06Tips, Limits, and Mistakes to Avoid

If you try OpenAI Dots, know its limits. First, it is extremely slow. The cloud computer took minutes to do simple tasks.

Do not use Dots for urgent work.

Second, the call feature is broken. Julian tried to call his dot and it never answered. Third, app connections are not clear.

There is no obvious app section, but Dots suggests using Zapier MCP.

Also, be careful with upgrades. Julian upgraded another account to Pro and then found Dots was not available in his region. Check access before paying.

Mistakes to avoid include expecting high agency – Dots is not proactive. It also opens unnecessary pages like terms and conditions, slowing down tasks. For better results, consider Claude or Grokbot instead.

07Who Should Use OpenAI Dots?

OpenAI Dots is for beginners who want a simple AI agent, but it is not ready for serious work. Julian says he would not use it personally. It is too slow and lacks reliability.

If you are new to AI agents and want to try one, Dots might be an option, but you need a Pro plan and patience. For professionals who need speed, use Claude Sonnet or Opus. For a better all-around agent, try Grokbot.

This episode showed that Dots is not worth the hype. There are better options like Manus, which was better months ago. If you want efficient AI agents, look elsewhere.

08Final Verdict on OpenAI Dots

In this episode, Julian gave his honest verdict on OpenAI Dots: do not recommend it. The features are basic, the speed is poor, and the call button fails.

It can do some tasks like research and booking, but very slowly. The cloud computer is not reliable. The app connections are confusing, and the upgrade process has regional issues.

If you want a faster and more useful AI agent, choose Claude or Grokbot. Dots is not worth the cost or the time right now.