OpenAI has rolled out an exciting new feature for ChatGPT that lets users set reminders and schedule tasks. This feature, called ‘Tasks,’ is currently available to all paid subscribers, and it will be extended to free-tier users later this year.
It marks an essential step towards making ChatGPT more interactive, bringing the AI closer to performing agent-like functions.
How the Tasks Feature Works
The Tasks feature is currently in beta for ChatGPT Plus, Teams, and Pro users. The company plans to expand it to the free tier soon. To use it, head over to the web version of ChatGPT and find the Tasks page in the profile menu. Users can easily set one-time or recurring tasks but can’t use the Advanced Voice Mode to schedule duties now.
During the beta phase, OpenAI is keen to understand how users interact with the feature and will refine it before rolling it out more widely. While setting reminders is nothing new (your phone’s clock app does that, after all), what makes this feature interesting is the ability for ChatGPT to actually perform tasks at a scheduled time.
Set tasks with simple prompts.
Using the feature is pretty simple. Type a prompt in the chat window or go directly to the Tasks page to set something up. Whether you get a summary of the day’s tech news at a specific time or receive a motivational message before your workout, ChatGPT will deliver it when scheduled. You type in natural commands like, “Send me a summary of today’s tech news at 7:30 PM on weekdays,” and the AI will take care of the rest.
It’s a smooth and easy way to ensure you get the information you need precisely when needed.
Is OpenAI Working Towards Agent-like AI?
While setting reminders isn’t new, what makes this feature stand out is that ChatGPT can now actually perform tasks at a set time. This may not be a full-on AI agent, but combining memory and executing multiple steps to generate content at a specific time shows promise.
There’s been a lot of buzz about OpenAI’s potential work on its first AI agent, possibly called ‘Operator.’ Some believe Tasks could serve as a precursor to developing its first AI agent. It’s still in the early days, but with Tasks, OpenAI is moving in a direction where ChatGPT might become much more autonomous, making it even more valuable and interactive.