ChatGPT Dots Add Powerful New AI Models and Automatic Model Selection

• ChatGPT Dots are adding GPT-6 Astra and GPT-6.1 Terra to their lineup of supporting AI models.
• Dots will automatically select models for tasks and can switch models during the same task.
• Users can message their Dot through Google Messages or iMessage without opening ChatGPT.

ChatGPT Dots are expanding their AI model lineup, with OpenAI adding GPT-6 Astra and GPT-6.1 Terra. Thibault Sottiaux, who works on Codex and ChatGPT at OpenAI, announced the expansion on X. He also indicated that more models are expected to join the lineup later.

The update also brings a change in how Dots choose the AI model behind a task. They will automatically select a suitable model and may switch between models while working on different parts of the same task. The company is also making it possible to chat with a Dot from popular messaging apps.

What Are ChatGPT Dots?

Dots are personal AI assistants designed to keep working on tasks even when a user is away. Rather than starting a fresh ChatGPT conversation and explaining the same details each time, a Dot can remember what a person is working on and continue from the previous point.

For example, someone planning a vacation could ask a Dot to keep track of a budget, destinations and travel dates. The Dot can retain those details and continue researching or organising the trip later. This ongoing context is a key part of the assistant experience, as it reduces the need to repeat information whenever a task resumes.

Users can access ChatGPT at ChatGPT.com to work with the service. Dots are intended to act as assistants that can carry a task forward, rather than only responding to a single prompt.

What Changes With GPT-6 Astra and GPT-6.1 Terra?

OpenAI is expanding the models that power the assistants with GPT-6 Astra and GPT-6.1 Terra. According to Sottiaux, GPT-6.1 Terra offers faster performance and a more pleasant personality. He also said that the model expansion is intended to help OpenAI make Dots available to more people.

A notable part of the announcement is automatic model selection. Dots will choose the model they consider right for each job, so users do not have to manually pick a model before beginning a task. This selection is not limited to the start of a conversation or workflow.

Dots may also switch between models for different parts of one task. A multi-step request could therefore be handled with different models as the work progresses. The announcement describes this as an automatic process, but how well it performs in everyday use remains to be seen.

The expansion is being announced, but it should not be taken as confirmation that every model or feature has fully rolled out to all users. Sottiaux said more models are expected later, suggesting that the lineup will continue to grow.

Dots Support Google Messages and iMessage

Another change is the ability to chat with a Dot directly through Google Messages or iMessage. Users can send messages to their personal assistant from these apps without needing to open ChatGPT each time.

This messaging support could make it easier to continue an ongoing task while using a phone’s regular messaging interface. For instance, a person working on travel plans could contact their Dot in a message and pick up the research or planning already in progress.

The messaging option complements the Dots’ ability to remember ongoing work. The assistant can retain the context of a task, while users get another way to communicate with it. The announcement names Google Messages and iMessage, though it does not establish that the feature is available to every user at this stage.

Conclusion

OpenAI is expanding the lineup with GPT-6 Astra and GPT-6.1 Terra, automatic model selection and direct messaging support through Google Messages and iMessage. Dots are also designed to remember ongoing tasks and resume work with less repeated explanation. The automatic switching between models is an important part of the update, but its real-world performance remains to be seen as the rollout progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions