The rise of personal AI assistants in 2026

OpenAI unveiled Dots, its new always-on AI agents, at its annual DevDay event on September 29, 2026, showcasing their ability to autonomously complete tasks and make decisions. The agents, powered by the GPT-6 Astra model, are initially available to Pro plan subscribers at $100 per month. CEO Sam Altman emphasized the product's premium positioning, stating, 'You should, of course, expect us to do a mass-market thing for billions of people.' Meanwhile, Meta’s Muse, a free alternative, has gained traction with its cute, cuddly design. Users like the author have tested both agents, finding them increasingly capable of handling tasks such as email drafting, planning, and report refinement. Altman noted that his Dot helps manage his mornings, leaving his brain 'less polluted' from morning information overload. Despite their promise, users remain cautious, with the author expressing concerns over data access and privacy. While agents like Dots and Muse are becoming mainstream, their always-on nature raises questions about balance between helpfulness and intrusiveness. As competition intensifies, the future of AI assistants in both software and hardware remains uncertain.