Lantern vs ChatGPT dots

A nearby screen helper, compared with an agent that keeps ongoing responsibilities moving.

Checked 2026-11-02 · 4 official sources · Read the sources

Lantern is a small assistant beside your current application, with screen questions, Show me guidance and an inbox for supported coding agents. A ChatGPT dot keeps track of ongoing responsibilities using relevant ChatGPT memory, connected apps and its own cloud computer. It can delegate to Work or Codex and continue across devices. Optional access to a connected computer lets it use permitted local files, browser context and local coding tasks; the computer must stay online for those steps. Lantern is useful at the moment you need help with the application on your screen or a supported coding session needs your attention. A dot is built to retain responsibility between conversations and follow up as the work develops. A quick visual explanation and an ongoing personal agent are different starting points.

Choose Lantern if

You want to ask about the app in front of you without organizing another workspace.
You want visual next-step guidance through Show me.
You want questions from supported existing coding sessions collected in one nearby helper.

Choose ChatGPT dots if

You want an agent to retain context about an ongoing responsibility.
You want follow-ups and delegated Work or Codex tasks inside ChatGPT.
You want to continue with the same dot across supported mobile, desktop and web surfaces.

At a glance

Side by side.

Lantern and ChatGPT dots: differences that matter
What matters	Lantern	ChatGPT dots
Main workflow	Get screen-context answers, visual guidance and attention to supported coding agents.	Keep ongoing responsibilities and follow-ups in a personal agent. [1]
Working surface	A small screen-side assistant beside the app you are using.	A dot conversation, profile and delegated-work activity inside ChatGPT. [1]
Where tasks run	The companion runs on your computer; requested AI work uses the relevant online service.	Its own cloud computer, plus optional permitted access to a connected local computer. [1]
Agent coordination	Collect questions and route replies for documented supported coding sessions.	Delegates to Work or Codex and can use background agents on several tasks. [1]
Tools and accounts	Use the Lantern account and its supported agent integrations; provider usage remains separate where applicable.	ChatGPT memory, connected plugins and supported coding or work tools. [1]
Review and control	Follow the next step yourself or inspect a helper’s result and answer agent requests.	Review activity, delegated work and requests for input from the dot’s profile. [1]

What kind of help do you need?

Lantern is useful at the moment you need help with the application on your screen or a supported coding session needs your attention. A dot is built to retain responsibility between conversations and follow up as the work develops. A quick visual explanation and an ongoing personal agent are different starting points.

Immediate help and continuing responsibility

Lantern begins with the application you are using and the next question you want answered. A dot can keep a project moving between conversations, maintain context and follow up through connected contact methods. If you need to understand a control now, start with the screen-side workflow. If you need an agent to retain a continuing responsibility, evaluate that persistence separately.

Questions about Lantern.

What does Lantern add if I already use ChatGPT dots?

Lantern is a nearby place for an immediate screen question, visual guidance or a supported coding agent’s request. Add it for those moments of attention within your existing workflow.

Do I need to set up an agent team before asking Lantern?

No. Everyday Ask and Show me help start with the application on your screen. Connecting supported coding agents is an additional workflow, rather than a prerequisite for a basic question.

How should I try Lantern with my current setup?

Use Lantern for a question you need answered now. If you also run coding agents, test its companion workflow with one supported session.

Sources & review

Checked against the official pages below on 2026-11-02. Features, availability, and plans can change. Lantern information: product overview and current plans. Suggest a correction.

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