OpenAI has begun rolling out a preview feature for US Pro users that allows individuals to text their Dot agents, fulfilling a promise made when the agents debuted late last month. According to OpenAI, users can now send texts, photos, and voice memos to their Dot, while the agent gains the ability to proactively contact users with updates on assigned tasks.
Setting Up and Security Features
To configure a Dot for texting, users need to open its profile within ChatGPT and select the texting option. On mobile devices, users must ensure that iMessage is enabled on iPhones or RCS is turned on for Android devices. OpenAI stated that it collaborated with Linq to deliver messaging support and conducted thorough penetration testing to guarantee safety. The company emphasized on X that privacy is strictly maintained, stating that users are the sole individuals capable of texting their dot and that the dot exclusively messages them. Furthermore, any information written to a Dot’s memory is shared across both ChatGPT and text channels, ensuring that context seamlessly carries over between distinct conversations.
Market Competition in Personal AI Agents
The personal agent market has intensified following Anthropic’s introduction of Claude Duet. Engadget noted in its testing that OpenAI’s Dots appear comparatively more polished, and the new texting capability is expected to be well-received by users. Accessing Claude Duet currently involves a waitlist restricted to people in the United States, and Anthropic plans to offer it to $20 per month Pro plan subscribers. In contrast, OpenAI’s Dots are currently unavailable to users on the Plus tier.
