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OpenAI's Dot agent now takes tasks by text message
Dot users can assign work from iMessage or RCS, send photos and voice notes, and get proactive updates back.
What changed
OpenAI is bringing its Dot agent into regular messaging apps, so users can assign tasks without opening ChatGPT [1]. The feature works with both iMessage and RCS messaging [2].
Users can send their Dot text, photos, and voice messages [1]. The Dot will also text users proactively with relevant updates [1].
A promise kept
When OpenAI debuted its Dot agents late last month, it promised users would eventually be able to text them instructions [2]. The story reported by Jay Peters says OpenAI had promised texting was coming for its AI agents, and it is now here [3].
OpenAI says it partnered with Linq to provide messaging support [2].
Setting up texting
To set up texting, open your Dot's profile in the ChatGPT mobile or desktop app, or on desktop web, and select Texting [1]. Setup requires verifying a phone number, saving the contact the Dot sends back, and messaging it to begin [1].
iMessage users should ensure iMessage is enabled on an iPhone, and Android users must enable RCS [2]. Android users need to enable RCS in their messaging app [1].
How updates and approvals work
Using context from ChatGPT conversations and connected channels, the Dot can choose where to send updates [1]. You can tell it to text only when something urgent comes up, which keeps routine updates inside ChatGPT [1].
If a task needs your approval, the Dot sends a link so you can review the request in the app [1]. Any information the Dot writes to its memory is shared across ChatGPT and text, so context carries over between conversations [2].
Privacy and limits
OpenAI says only the user can text their Dot, and the Dot can only message the user [1]. Setting up the feature does not give Dot or OpenAI access to the user's other text conversations [1].
Texting supports only one-to-one conversations [1]. Dots are currently not available to Plus tier users [2].
The competition
The personal agent space is busy, since Anthropic joined last week with Claude Duet [2]. Using Claude Duet currently requires joining a waitlist that is only open to people in the US [2].
Anthropic has said it plans to offer Claude Duet to subscribers of its $20 per month Pro plan [2]. The d2 reviewer wrote that in their testing, OpenAI's Dots are comparatively more polished [2].
What this means for you
If you use a Dot, you can now assign it tasks by text instead of opening ChatGPT [1]. Check that iMessage is enabled on an iPhone, or that RCS is enabled on an Android device, before you start [2].
If you subscribe to the Plus tier, note that Dots are currently not available to you [2]. If you want fewer interruptions, you can tell your Dot to text only when something urgent comes up [1].
Sources
- OpenAI now lets you text your ChatGPT Dot agent to get things done — Digital Trends
- OpenAI Now Lets You Text Your Dot Agent — Engadget
- OpenAI now lets you text your Dot. — The Verge
Written from the sources above and checked twice before publishing. How we work · Report an error
