# OpenAI launches GPT-6.1 Sol and Dots AI agents at DevDay New lower-cost model offers near-Astra performance at a fraction of the price - **Source:** [Technology News Today, Latest Tech News | The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/) - **Published:** 2026-09-30 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/247a8ae9-07e0-4426-8793-9473a0fdf41b ## GPT-6.1 Sol unveiled OpenAI CEO Sam Altman introduced GPT-6.1 Sol at DevDay 2026 as a cost-effective alternative to Astra. Priced at $2 per million input tokens and $10 per million output tokens, Sol delivers near-Astra level intelligence at one-fifth the cost. The model features a 1.05-million-token context window and supports reasoning levels from low to maximum. It's positioned as a 'daily workhorse' for coding and building tasks. ## Performance and capabilities GPT-6.1 Sol supports multiple tools including web search, code interpretation, image generation, and Model Context Protocol (MCP). It can generate up to 128,000 tokens per response and is accessible through OpenAI's Responses API. The model maintains function calling and structured outputs while offering improved context reuse for AI agents. Its balanced cost-capability ratio aims to make AI more accessible for iterative problem-solving. ## UltraFast API enhancement OpenAI launched UltraFast across its API, ChatGPT and Codex, delivering 300 tokens per second - eight times faster than standard offerings. While six times more expensive, UltraFast will soon be available with GPT-6.1 Sol after initial Astra integration. This speed boost significantly enhances real-time AI interactions and processing capabilities for developers and enterprise users. ## Dots autonomous agents OpenAI showcased Dots, always-on AI agents powered by GPT-6 Astra. These agents operate independently with their own cloud computers and can connect to over 4,000 applications. Dots work across multiple projects without requiring step-by-step user direction, accessible through ChatGPT, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. Enterprise pilots will test specialist Dots with custom identities and system access. ## Enterprise integration plans OpenAI is collaborating with Microsoft to integrate Dots agents with governance and security controls in Agent 365. Specialist Dots in pilot programs will have defined responsibilities within company systems. This marks a significant step toward operational AI deployment in business environments, combining autonomous functionality with enterprise-grade security protocols. ## Astra model shelved OpenAI confirmed shelving GPT-6.1 Astra just before its planned October release. Internal testing revealed the model failed to meet safety and alignment standards, particularly regarding authorized scope compliance and action communication. This decision follows reports from The Wall Street Journal and Reuters about the model's limitations, highlighting OpenAI's safety-first approach to deployment. ## Altman's AI philosophy Sam Altman rejected characterizing AI as an 'industrial revolution,' advocating instead for a 'new renaissance.' He emphasized that AI should empower human creativity rather than automate all aspects of life. Altman stressed certain domains 'cannot and should not' be automated, positioning AI as a tool for expanding human potential rather than replacing human roles. ## Market implications The GPT-6.1 Sol launch represents OpenAI's strategy to democratize advanced AI through cost optimization. By offering near-top-tier capabilities at reduced prices, the company expands access to smaller developers and businesses. The simultaneous focus on autonomous agents (Dots) and enterprise integration signals OpenAI's push toward practical, scalable AI implementations beyond conversational interfaces. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/openai-unveils-gpt-61-sol-and-dots-ai-agents-at-devday/article71525534.ece — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._