OpenAI Introduces “Tasks” Feature in ChatGPT for Scheduling and Reminders

OpenAI is expanding the capabilities of ChatGPT with a new beta feature called Tasks, designed to help users schedule actions and reminders. This feature, available to Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers starting today, is an effort to transform ChatGPT into a more versatile digital assistant, comparable to Google Assistant or Siri but enhanced with ChatGPT’s advanced language abilities.

What Does Tasks Do?

Tasks allow users to schedule one-time or recurring actions through simple instructions. Whether it’s a daily weather report at 7 AM, a reminder to renew your passport or a bedtime knock-knock joke for your kids, ChatGPT can now handle these requests.

Key features of Tasks include:

  • User-defined Scheduling: Subscribers can specify what needs to be done and when.
  • Proactive Suggestions: ChatGPT can suggest tasks based on conversations, though users must approve these suggestions.
  • Task Management: Tasks can be modified or cancelled directly in chat threads or through a dedicated Tasks section (available on the web).
  • Notifications: Users receive alerts upon task completion across web, desktop, and mobile platforms.
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However, there’s a cap of 10 active tasks running simultaneously.

How to Use Tasks

To activate the feature, users need to select “4o with scheduled tasks” in the model picker within ChatGPT. From there, it’s as simple as typing out the desired task and its timing.

A Strategic Shift for ChatGPT

Tasks mark a significant shift in ChatGPT’s functionality, moving beyond real-time responses to handling future planning.OpenAI’s ambitions for the feature seem to extend far beyond scheduling, with reports suggesting integration with more advanced tools and capabilities.

  • Autonomous AI Integration: Bloomberg reported on “Operator,” an upcoming autonomous AI agent capable of independently controlling computers.
  • Future Features: Reverse engineer findings hint at a project codenamed “Caterpillar,” which could allow ChatGPT to search for information, analyze data, summarize, navigate websites, and access documents, notifying users upon task completion.

Challenges and Opportunities

While Tasks offers exciting possibilities, questions remain about its reliability, especially for time-sensitive information. OpenAI has positioned Tasks as a beta feature to gather user feedback and address potential shortcomings before a broader release.

A Step Toward Agentic AI

The launch of Tasks is part of a broader trend toward “agentic” AI — systems designed to interact with environments, learn from feedback, and operate with minimal human intervention. While the feature currently functions as a scripted system following user-defined instructions, its evolution could significantly enhance ChatGPT’s utility.

Availability and Future Plans

Tasks is currently exclusive to paying subscribers, with no confirmation on whether it will be available to free users.OpenAI offers monthly subscription plans at $20 and $200, making this feature a potential incentive for users to opt for premium access.

For now, users can experiment with the beta version of Tasks, keeping in mind its limitations as the feature evolves. With ongoing developments like “Operator” and “Caterpillar,” OpenAI’s vision for ChatGPT as a comprehensive virtual assistant seems closer than ever.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to rely on Tasks, start small and test its reliability before depending on it for critical reminders or actions.

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