Meet Otto

After setup, the app brings you to its main screen: your chat with Otto. Once the agent finishes starting, it sends a short introduction. This is where you talk with Otto day to day.

Wait for Otto to come online

The chat is ready before Otto has fully started. While it is coming online, you will see a status indicator in the conversation. It normally takes about a minute. When Otto is ready, it introduces itself and you can start talking.

If it is still not online after a few minutes, check that your device is online in Devices and see Troubleshooting.

Your main conversation

Your chat with Otto is the home base for your ongoing work together. Either of you can start the conversation: you can ask for help, and Otto can message you when it has an update, a question, or something that needs your attention.

Use this conversation to get to know each other, think through work, and build up the context Otto needs to be useful. It is not a one-shot prompt window; this is the continuous thread for the work Otto owns with you.

Open the sidebar

The sidebar is where you manage your Otto. On mobile, swipe right or tap the menu button in the chat header. On desktop, the sidebar is already visible.

From there you can open Automations, Integrations, Usage, and Settings, as well as switch between Otto devices when you have more than one.

Agents and chats

The sidebar separates your ongoing agents from focused conversations.

Agents

Every Otto starts with one agent named Otto. An agent has a main, continuous conversation—the one you are in now. This is where you return for the ongoing back-and-forth, and where Otto can come back to you with updates.

As your work grows, you can add more agents. Give each one a distinct role, context, or responsibility rather than making a new agent for every question.

Chats

Chats are separate, focused conversations with an agent. Use one when you want to work actively on a project, explore a side question, or start an initiative without filling up the agent's main conversation. For example, a coding task or a one-time research question can live in its own chat.

When the work is complete, return to Otto's main conversation. Keep the main thread for the work and context that should continue over time.

Change Otto's name or personality

Tap or click Otto's name in the chat header, then select Identity. Here you can change your agent's name, set what it calls you, and describe its personality. These settings shape how Otto shows up in future conversations.

Next

Start a conversation, then connect your first app when you want Otto to work with information from the tools you use every day.

For a deeper explanation of persistent context, see How Otto remembers.