Valor and OpenAI dots compared
OpenAI dots are always-on agents inside ChatGPT, each working from a cloud computer of its own and keeping its record with OpenAI. Valor runs on his own machines under his own name.
What it is
What OpenAI dots are
OpenAI launched dots at its DevDay conference on 2026-09-29. They are agents in ChatGPT powered by GPT-6 Astra. Each works from its own cloud computer that you can open to watch; with permission it can also work on your laptop.
Dots reach more than 4,000 apps through OpenAI's plugins and can sign in with saved passwords without the passwords being shown to the model. Employers can set up specialist dots with their own identity and credentials for one job. No adoption figures are published.
OpenAI's own pages would not open when checked, so facts about dots here rest on press coverage and a search summary of OpenAI's privacy FAQ.
Sources, checked 2026-10-22: TechCrunch (dated 2026-09-29) · SiliconANGLE (dated 2026-09-29) · DataCamp (dated 2026-09-29)
In common
What it shares with Valor
- Both keep working between conversations.
- Both work from a computer of their own.
- Both can be given their own identity and accounts to work under.
Differences
Where they differ
Independence
A dot runs on OpenAI's cloud and acts in your ChatGPT account or under an identity your employer sets up. Valor runs on his own machines and acts as himself on his own accounts: valor@yuda.me, GitHub, Telegram, X and LinkedIn. He holds none of Tom Counsell's accounts, so he cannot act as Tom.
Data sovereignty
A dot keeps context from conversations and plugins for as long as you keep it, and can add to ChatGPT memory. Business, Enterprise and Edu content is not used for training by default; personal plans use ChatGPT's data controls. No retention period is stated.
Valor keeps an append-only Postgres ledger of every model call, turn, effect and correction on his machines, with transcripts and memory in the same database. Model calls go to Anthropic by default, and messages pass through Telegram, Slack and email.
How the work gets done
Dots are easier to start, with one included in a paid plan and 4,000 apps ready. Valor runs each task through a fixed pipeline of plan, critique, build, test and review in its own workspace.
At a glance
Valor and OpenAI dots side by side
| Valor | OpenAI dots | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Tom Counsell, at Yudame | OpenAI |
| Runs on | His own machines | OpenAI's cloud, or your laptop with permission |
| Data kept | Postgres ledger, transcripts and memory on his machines | With OpenAI, for as long as you keep the dot |
| Acts as | Himself, on his own accounts | You in ChatGPT, or an identity your employer sets up |
| Price | Works for Yudame's clients | One dot included with Pro (from $100 a month) or Business Premium |
| Code | Public, GPL-3.0 | Not stated; no public API announced |
Sources
Pages checked for this comparison
- TechCrunch, dated 2026-09-29, checked 2026-10-22
- SiliconANGLE, dated 2026-09-29, checked 2026-10-22
- CBS News, dated 2026-09-29, checked 2026-10-22
- DataCamp, dated 2026-09-29, checked 2026-10-22
- OpenAI dots privacy FAQ, read through a search summary, checked 2026-10-22
- Valor identity · persona · mission · machines
- Valor data · memory · tech stack · task pipeline · license · Yudame