OpenAI has introduced an exciting new feature for ChatGPT users, bringing a fresh level of convenience and interactivity to the popular AI assistant. The new feature, aptly named “tasks,” enables paying subscribers of ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro to schedule reminders and set recurring requests, making everyday planning a breeze.
Imagine being able to tell your virtual assistant to remind you about your passport expiration six months in advance or to provide a weekend itinerary every Friday based on local weather forecasts. These creative uses of ChatGPT are now possible as the tasks feature is rolling out globally this week.
While digital assistants like Siri and Alexa have long offered reminders, OpenAI’s tasks appear to push the boundaries further by introducing scheduled information requests. This capability allows users to receive daily news briefings at a specific time or even track schedules for concert tickets for their favorite artist monthly.
Accessing tasks is straightforward. Users can simply select “Go with scheduled tasks” from a dropdown menu in the ChatGPT interface, allowing seamless task creation and management directly through conversation. Suggested tasks may even pop up based on your chat interactions. Although no continuous background searches or direct purchases are currently available, the feature sets a foundation for more complex functionalities in the future.
This rollout is a strategic step toward developing AI models that act independently, known as AI agents. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has hinted that 2025 will be a pivotal year for AI agents, forecasting an expanded role in the workforce. The current tasks feature serves as a limited preview of these capabilities in action.
OpenAI is leveraging this beta phase to gather insights into user interaction with tasks before expanding to broader platforms, including its mobile app and the free ChatGPT tier. The timing for tasks may not be set using Advanced Voice Mode yet, marking the beginning of what’s anticipated to be a suite of sophisticated AI-driven tools.
Looking ahead, OpenAI is also preparing to introduce more sophisticated AI systems capable of handling complex tasks like coding and travel booking. One such system, rumored to be named “Operator,” may launch soon, offering new dimensions to AI-assisted work.
However, with these advancements come potential challenges. The current tasks feature showcases a controlled range of abilities, yet OpenAI will need robust safeguards as it rolls out more independent AI systems to ensure safety and reliability.
OpenAI’s venture into AI scheduling promises to streamline users’ daily lives, setting the stage for further innovations and expanding the horizons of what AI assistants can achieve.
