Gemini vs. OpenAI Dots: Two AI helpers that work for you

Both Google and OpenAI want AI to do more than answer questions. They want it to do work for you. But the two approaches are different.

Note: I could not find an official Google feature called exactly "Gemini Tasks." The comparison below is based on Google's agent features in Gemini, which are the closest match.

OpenAI Dots: Agents that keep going

OpenAI presented Dots at the DevDay developer conference on September 29, 2026. According to the sources I have found, they are "always-on" agents in ChatGPT. You give a Dot a responsibility, for example following up on bug reports or keeping a launch on track. It then keeps working between conversations.

A Dot has its own computer and browser in the cloud. It uses the apps you connect and writes to you when it needs a decision. It runs on OpenAI's model GPT-6 Astra and, according to the coverage, can be connected to more than 4,000 apps.

Dots are being rolled out to users of ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium. Enterprise customers get a beta version. Ordinary free users are therefore not included initially.

Google's Gemini: An agent in your own apps

Through Gemini Agent, powered by Gemini 3 Pro, Google has given Gemini the ability to handle multi-step tasks. It can use Gmail, Google Calendar and web browsing, among other things. Examples include cleaning up emails, drafting replies and finding dates in messages.

On Android, Gemini can also carry out tasks in apps already installed on the phone. To begin with, this applies to selected apps for food, groceries and ridesharing.

Google emphasizes control. You can stop and take over at any time, and Gemini asks for confirmation before it sends emails or makes purchases.

Which should you choose?

If you already use Gmail, Calendar and an Android phone, Gemini is the natural choice for everyday small tasks. If an AI needs to look after a longer-running work project and coordinate between many different tools, Dots looks like the strongest bet, if you have a subscription that gives access.

Both tools are new, and many features are still experimental. Try them on small, harmless tasks first, and always check what the AI is going to do before it sends or buys anything on your behalf.

What it means for you

If you use Gmail, Calendar and an Android phone, you can already let Gemini take on everyday small tasks such as cleaning up emails or finding dates in messages. If you have a ChatGPT Pro or Business Premium subscription, you can give a Dot a longer-running responsibility, for example following up on a project. Start with small, harmless tasks, and always read what the AI is going to do before it sends or buys anything for you.