01What Is OpenDots vs ChatGPT?

OpenDots vs ChatGPT is a comparison between two AI agents: ChatGPT's DOTS and the new open-source OpenDots. DOTS is ChatGPT's AI agent that dropped this week, but it is not open source. OpenDots is a free, open-source version created by CoPilotKit.

Both agents let you create AI agents that can work on tasks, give ideas, and even have their own computer. The main difference is flexibility. With OpenDots, you can change models and the UI, while DOTS keeps you inside ChatGPT's system.

In this episode, Julian Goldie walks through both tools side by side. He shows examples, explains setup, and gives his honest opinion after testing them.

02Main Features of DOTS and OpenDots

DOTS inside ChatGPT has a clean, smooth UI. It knows you and has all your history from past chats. This makes it highly personalized.

You can make phone calls with your AI agents and speak to them.

  • DOTS works inside ChatGPT with full history access.
  • DOTS has a nice interface that is easy for beginners.
  • DOTS allows phone calls with AI agents.
  • OpenDots works with any model, like LFM 2.5 latest.
  • OpenDots lets you change the entire UI if you want.
  • OpenDots can plug into Obsidian for a second brain memory.

OpenDots also supports a Composeo API to give your agents their own cloud computer. This is similar to DOTS's computer feature but with more control.

03How to Set Up OpenDots

Setting up OpenDots is pretty easy. Julian explains that you just get the GitHub details and give them to your AI agent setup. Once done, it looks similar to other next-gen agents like Muse or Manus.

  1. Go to the OpenDots GitHub page.
  2. Copy the repository details.
  3. Give these details to your AI agent setup.
  4. Configure your preferred model, like LFM 2.5 latest.
  5. Plug in any plugins you need.
  6. Optionally, add a Composeo API in the app settings.

When you finish, your OpenDots interface will show your created agents. You can see examples and manage everything from the dashboard.

04How to Use DOTS and OpenDots in Practice

In the episode, Julian shows an example with an AI agent named 'Big J'. Big J gives ideas, tells you what's being worked on, and keeps you updated. You can work with agents, give them tasks, and even call them on the phone using DOTS.

With OpenDots, you can do similar things. You can see your recent dots and set up a computer side in the top right. By adding a Composeo API, you give your agents a cloud computer that runs 24/7.

You can also plug in Obsidian to give OpenDots a better memory across all your agents. This is useful if you already use Obsidian for notes.

To change the UI of OpenDots, you can go to Claude or your preferred AI agent and ask it to modify the interface. This is a big flexibility win.

05Results and Testing: Which Performs Better?

Julian tested both side by side. He found that he preferred using Dropbot (a typo, likely another agent) personally. He said the computer use was faster, the models were better, and it worked smoother.

He also noted that connecting plugins and building a full team was easier with Dropbot. With OpenDots, it was more difficult.

For DOTS, the UI was nicer and cleaner. But OpenDots offers more customization if you are technical. The testing showed that for non-technical users, DOTS is simpler, but for technical users, OpenDots gives more control.

Julian also mentioned another open-source alternative called Hermes bar screen. He said if he had to choose, he would go with Hermes bar screen over OpenDots.

06Tips, Limits, and Mistakes to Avoid

One limit of DOTS is that you cannot change the model. You are stuck with ChatGPT's models. OpenDots lets you use any model, which is a big advantage for some users.

  • OpenDots lacks memory unless you set up Obsidian or a second brain.
  • OpenDots can be confusing for non-technical users.
  • Phone calls are only available in DOTS, not OpenDots unless you build it.
  • Open source UIs are usually less polished than ChatGPT's.
  • For non-technical people, DOTS is the safer choice.

Avoid the mistake of thinking OpenDots is exactly the same. It works the same in many ways, but the experience differs. Also, don't ignore that DOTS has full access to your ChatGPT history, which makes it super personalized.

07Who Should Choose OpenDots or DOTS?

If you are technical and want full control, choose OpenDots. You can plug in any model, change the UI, and use local models. If you use Claude or local models, you will never use DOTS, so OpenDots is better for you.

If you are non-technical, DOTS is the best choice. It is simple, clean, and works out of the box. You can make phone calls with your agents, which is a unique feature.

OpenDots is also good if you want an open-source solution and don't mind a learning curve. It is free and flexible, making it a strong option for developers and experimenters.