OpenAI has launched a significant new feature for ChatGPT called “Tasks,” marking its entry into the competitive virtual assistant market.
This move aims to transform ChatGPT from a conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI) to a proactive digital assistant capable of scheduling and managing actions for users.
How Tasks Works:
Available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers, Tasks allows users to schedule reminders, receive recurring updates (like daily weather), and manage various actions across devices.
Users simply select the “4.0 with scheduled tasks” option and input their desired details.
ChatGPT will then provide notifications and even suggest relevant tasks based on user behavior.
This launch intensifies the competition in the virtual assistant market as Amazon is also developing generative AI for Alexa to enable autonomous actions, while Apple has integrated “Apple Intelligence” (partially powered by OpenAI) into Siri.
OpenAI’s Strategic Move
Tasks aligns with OpenAI’s strategy to monetize ChatGPT by expanding its capabilities.
The subscription-based feature supports various pricing tiers and serves as a foundation for more advanced functionalities like the “Operator” agent, designed to automate tasks like computer control and problem-solving.
While promising, Tasks is currently in beta. OpenAI emphasizes that it should not be relied upon for critical reminders. Ensuring reliability will be crucial for user trust and success in the competitive market.
General Info about Scheduled tasks in ChatGPT
OpenAI’s new Scheduled Tasks feature for ChatGPT enables users to set one-time or recurring tasks to be executed at specific times, even when the user is offline.
The feature is available on ChatGPT Web, iOS, Android, and MacOS platforms, with plans to expand to Windows in Q1.
This capability allows ChatGPT to create tasks for itself, automating actions like reminders, updates, and other time-sensitive activities.
Users are notified via push notifications or emails when these tasks are completed, ensuring they stay informed regardless of their current online status.
The Scheduled Tasks feature also allows users to trigger tasks directly through the UI, offering a seamless experience for managing their digital workload.
Whether tasks are set manually by users or autonomously suggested by ChatGPT, the system operates independently of the user’s device being active, marking a significant shift toward AI-driven automation.
This development further enhances ChatGPT’s utility, transforming it from a conversational assistant to a more proactive tool capable of managing tasks on its own.