OpenAI is taking another leap forward with its AI assistant, ChatGPT, by rolling out a feature that lets users schedule tasks and reminders.
This upgrade, dubbed “Tasks,” is now available in beta to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users worldwide. Let’s explore what this means for you and how it compares to traditional digital assistants.
What’s New with ChatGPT’s Task Scheduling?
Imagine asking ChatGPT to remind you when your passport expires or to give you a personalized weekend plan every Friday. That’s the essence of Tasks. This feature allows users to set:
- One-time reminders: e.g., “Remind me to renew my gym membership in two weeks.”
- Recurring requests: e.g., “Send me a daily news digest at 8 a.m.”
Users get notifications on their chosen platform, making it a handy alternative to the likes of Siri or Alexa.
How to Use the New Tasks Feature
Getting started with Tasks is simple:
- Activate Tasks Mode: Select “Go with scheduled tasks” from the dropdown menu in ChatGPT.
- Set Tasks: Chat with the AI to create reminders or recurring actions.
- Manage Tasks: Use the chat interface or the web app’s dedicated task manager to modify or review your schedule.
Tasks may even suggest actions based on your chat history, making it smarter with use.
AI as a More Independent Assistant
While Tasks seems like a small step, it represents something bigger: the evolution of AI into more autonomous roles. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman predicts that 2025 will be a pivotal year for AI “agents” in the workforce. Tasks might be a stepping stone to that vision.
Unlike traditional assistants, Tasks showcases unique capabilities, such as:
- Custom reminders tailored to user preferences.
- Web browsing for scheduled updates (though it won’t run continuous searches or make purchases).
For example, you can ask ChatGPT to search for concert tickets once a month but not to notify you immediately when tickets go live or to purchase them for you.
Limitations and Future Prospects
While the Tasks feature is innovative, it has limitations:
- No advanced voice mode: For now, voice-based task setup isn’t supported.
- Limited automation: Tasks won’t handle continuous background searches or transactions.
This controlled rollout helps OpenAI study user behavior and refine the feature before making it available on the free tier or mobile apps.
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What Sets Tasks Apart from Traditional Assistants?
While Siri and Alexa excel at setting timers or reminders, they lack the depth that Tasks brings. ChatGPT’s ability to combine conversational context with task management makes it stand out.
For instance:
- Siri can remind you to water your plants, but ChatGPT can suggest a plant care routine based on your schedule.
- Alexa might read you the news, but ChatGPT can curate a briefing tailored to your interests.
What’s Next for ChatGPT?
OpenAI is not stopping at Tasks. The company is working on more advanced systems, such as “Operator,” which could write code or book travel. These upcoming “agentic” systems promise to tackle complex tasks, but they also raise questions about ethical and operational safeguards.
As these technologies evolve, OpenAI will face challenges balancing innovation with safety.
Why Does This Matter?
AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming more ingrained in our daily lives, blurring the line between convenience and dependency. Tasks represents a move toward a future where AI handles both mundane and complex tasks, freeing up time for what truly matters.
Imagine never missing an important date or always having a tailored weekend plan waiting for you. It’s like having a personal assistant, minus the salary.
Key Takeaways
- Tasks is ChatGPT’s latest feature, enabling reminders and recurring requests.
- It’s a step toward more autonomous AI systems, showing potential beyond traditional assistants.
- Limitations exist, but the beta period will refine the feature for broader use.
- Future advancements, like “Operator,” hint at even greater possibilities for AI in daily life.
| Feature | ChatGPT Tasks | Siri/Alexa |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Personalized Suggestions | Yes | Limited |
| Scheduled Web Browsing | Yes (basic) | No |
| Transaction Capabilities | No | No |
Tasks may be just the beginning, but it shows how AI assistants can move beyond simple commands to offer truly meaningful assistance.
