Meta Muse and OpenAI Dots launch autonomous AI agents with distinct pricing
Meta and OpenAI have released persistent AI agents that execute tasks independently, differing significantly in cost and operational scope.
Key points
- Meta launched Muse on September 8, offering tiers starting at $20 monthly.
- OpenAI introduced Dots in ChatGPT three weeks later, requiring a $100 minimum subscription.
- Both agents operate on dedicated cloud computers but require user permission for sensitive actions.
Meta and OpenAI have deployed persistent artificial intelligence agents designed to execute complex tasks without continuous user prompting. Meta released its agent, Muse, on September 8, while OpenAI launched its Dots feature within ChatGPT approximately three weeks later, establishing direct competition in the autonomous assistant market.
Both systems utilize dedicated cloud computing resources to maintain operation after users disconnect. According to Engadget, these agents can connect to external services and manage ongoing workflows independently. This shift moves the technology beyond simple chat interactions toward autonomous task completion, allowing users to assign goals and return later to review results.
Operational Capabilities and Permissions
Muse operates within a secure virtual machine with an integrated browser, enabling it to interact with web interfaces directly. Engadget reports that the agent can organize social media content, such as converting saved Instagram posts into recipe collections. Users access Muse through dedicated applications, web interfaces, or WhatsApp, linking it to email and calendar services for expanded functionality.
OpenAI’s Dots are powered by the GPT-6 Astra model and reside within the ChatGPT environment. Each Dot maintains its own cloud computer and can utilize connected plugins to perform recurring jobs. The system retains relevant context and can be granted access to a user’s local machine for file retrieval or internet browsing, though OpenAI plans to allow management of multiple Dots simultaneously in the future.
Pricing and Access Restrictions
The primary differentiator between the two services is cost. Engadget notes that Muse offers a free tier with usage limits, alongside Power and Maximum tiers priced at $20 and $100 per month, respectively. In contrast, individual users must pay a minimum of $100 per month for the Pro 100 subscription to access Dots, making OpenAI’s entry point significantly more expensive than Meta’s lowest paid option.
Both vendors emphasize that their agents require supervision and can make errors. Meta states that Muse requests explicit permission before executing sensitive actions like sending emails or making purchases. OpenAI employs permissions, Custom Rules, and Auto-review mechanisms to control Dot activities. Additionally, Amazon has blocked Muse from conducting transactions on its platform, illustrating external limitations on agent capabilities.
What should you do?
Security professionals and users should evaluate the risk of granting persistent agents access to sensitive data and external services. The ability of these tools to operate on dedicated cloud computers and interact with local files requires careful permission management. Users should monitor agent activity logs and restrict access to only necessary applications to minimize exposure to potential errors or unauthorized actions.
What to do and how to stay safe: Meta
- Review and restrict the permissions granted to AI agents, ensuring they only access necessary services and data.
- Monitor agent activity logs regularly to detect errors or unauthorized actions, as vendors warn these tools can make mistakes.
- Verify which external platforms block or limit agent interactions, such as Amazon blocking shopping actions.
- Assess the cost-effectiveness of the free or lower-tier options if testing these autonomous features for personal or business use.
Step-by-step guide: Prompt Injection Warning Signs: How to Spot AI Manipulation
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
When were Meta Muse and OpenAI Dots released?
Meta released Muse on September 8, and OpenAI launched Dots in ChatGPT three weeks later.
How much do these AI agent services cost?
Muse has a free tier and paid options at $20 and $100 monthly; Dots require a minimum $100 monthly subscription.
Can these agents work without user supervision?
Both agents can continue working after users leave, but vendors state they require supervision and ask for permission for sensitive actions.
