Tasks: ChatGPT can now set reminders and perform recurring actions.

OpenAI has introduced a new beta feature in ChatGPT called Tasks, enabling users to schedule actions and reminders for the future.

This feature, available to Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers starting today, aims to position ChatGPT as a more versatile digital assistant, similar to Google Assistant or Siri, but with ChatGPT’s advanced language capabilities.

While scheduling is a standard feature in most digital assistants, this marks a significant evolution for ChatGPT, which has previously operated only in real-time, addressing immediate requests without handling ongoing or future planning. The introduction of Tasks signals OpenAI’s intention to extend ChatGPT’s capabilities beyond conversation and into roles traditionally filled by virtual assistants.

Tasks based on conversations

With Tasks, users can simply inform ChatGPT of what they need and specify when they need it done. Whether it’s a daily weather update at 6 AM or a reminder about a credit card expiration, ChatGPT can now manage both one-time and recurring tasks.

Subscribers can access this feature by selecting “4o with scheduled tasks” in the model picker. From there, they can type their requests and specify the timing. ChatGPT can also suggest tasks proactively based on conversations, but users must approve these suggestions before they’re set.

Tasks can be managed within chat threads or through a new dedicated Tasks section in the profile menu, accessible only via the web. This setup allows users to easily modify or cancel tasks. Notifications will alert users when tasks are completed, and these alerts will appear across web, desktop, and mobile platforms. Currently, there’s a limit of 10 active tasks running simultaneously.

OpenAI has not confirmed if or when the feature might become available to free users, implying that Tasks may remain a premium offering tied to the $20 and $200 monthly subscription tiers.

Paving the road ahead

OpenAI’s ambitions for Tasks appear to go beyond basic scheduling. Reports from Bloomberg mention “Operator,” an autonomous AI agent expected to launch soon, capable of independently controlling computers.

Additionally, reverse engineer Tibor Blaho has uncovered a project codenamed “Caterpillar,” which could integrate with Tasks to enable ChatGPT to search for information, analyze problems, summarize data, navigate websites, and access documents, with notifications sent upon task completion. These features suggest a broader strategy to monetize AI infrastructure by adding functionality similar to that of an autonomous agent. While Tasks currently follow straightforward instructions, OpenAI and other leading AI labs aim to develop systems capable of interacting with environments, learning from feedback, and making decisions without constant human guidance.

By releasing Tasks in beta, OpenAI appears to be seeking real-world feedback to refine the feature before a broader rollout. For example: What about the reliability of scheduled tasks and what might happen if ChatGPT fails to deliver critical time-sensitive information?