One of artificial intelligence's most anticipated features is automation. While many companies are still in the developmental stages, OpenAI has introduced a glimpse of this future with its latest feature, Tasks, available on ChatGPT. The feature allows users to set commands or directions for the AI chatbot to follow, creating a schedule to ensure readiness when needed.
The updated GPT-4o model powers this capability and is currently in beta testing. OpenAI has cautioned that users may encounter some limitations during this early rollout.
ChatGPT 'Tasks' Launches to Streamline Scheduling
OpenAI has kicked off 2025 with the launch of ChatGPT Tasks, a feature designed to schedule actions, prompts, or reminders for users. As reported by Ars Technica, users can assign one-time or recurring tasks to the chatbot, automating processes they would otherwise need to set manually. This functionality aims to provide a seamless and consistent experience for those relying on the service.
Using natural language text prompts, a hallmark of ChatGPT's design, users can instruct the AI to remember specific tasks and deliver reminders at the appropriate time. Notably, ChatGPT also suggests potential tasks for users but requires explicit approval to activate the feature.
Currently, ChatGPT Tasks is only accessible to subscribers of OpenAI's paid tiers, including Plus, Team, and Pro. This limitation highlights OpenAI's strategy of reserving advanced features for its premium users.
OpenAI's Answer to Siri and Alexa
The new feature has drawn comparisons to AI assistants like Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa, both of which offer task-scheduling capabilities. Users of ChatGPT will receive notifications when a scheduled task is due. However, in its current form, ChatGPT Tasks is limited to a maximum of 10 assignable tasks.
Expanding OpenAI's Vision for AI Integration
OpenAI's development of ChatGPT Tasks is part of a broader effort to enhance its AI's utility. The company has continued to innovate following a landmark year in 2024, which saw significant upgrades to its chatbot, including Advanced Voice Mode for voice commands and ChatGPT Search for real-time internet updates.
Licensing agreements forged in 2024 have also enabled OpenAI to provide users with more timely and comprehensive content, expanding the utility of its chatbot. This focus on partnerships is expected to continue, supporting the company's goals of improving AI training and increasing real-world applicability.
Another milestone from OpenAI's Christmas 2024 showcase was the introduction of the o1 reasoning model, touted as its most advanced yet. Available exclusively to the highest subscription tier, the model exemplifies the company's premium-driven approach to offering cutting-edge AI solutions.
As 2025 begins, OpenAI is betting on ChatGPT Tasks to redefine how users interact with its AI — streamlining workflows and delivering convenience. Yet, like many of its advanced offerings, this feature is reserved for paying subscribers, underscoring the growing divide between free and premium AI experiences.
