OpenAI recently announced the launch of a new beta feature called "Tasks" in ChatGPT, which allows users to schedule future actions and reminders. This new feature is being gradually rolled out to Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers starting today, aiming to make ChatGPT more like traditional digital assistants such as Google Assistant or Siri, but with the advanced language capabilities of ChatGPT.

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The "Tasks" feature is very easy to use; users simply need to tell ChatGPT what they need to do and when to complete it. For example, if you want to receive a daily weather report at 7 AM, or remind you that your passport is about to expire, or even wish to tell a joke before your child goes to sleep, ChatGPT can handle these requests through one-time or recurring tasks.

To use this new feature, users just need to select "4o with scheduled tasks" in the ChatGPT model selector, and then input the tasks and timings they wish ChatGPT to complete. The system can also proactively suggest tasks based on user conversations, but users must explicitly approve these suggestions to create the tasks. All tasks can be managed directly in the chat thread or modified or canceled through the newly launched tasks section (available only on the web). Additionally, once tasks are completed, users will receive notifications via web, desktop, and mobile. Currently, each user can set up to 10 active tasks at the same time.

OpenAI has not specified when or if this feature will be available to free users, which may mean that "Tasks" will remain a premium feature to help justify the subscription cost of ChatGPT. According to OpenAI's pricing, users can choose a subscription of $20 per month or $200 per year.

The launch of the "Tasks" feature marks a significant shift in ChatGPT's capabilities, which previously only responded to user requests in real-time, but can now handle ongoing tasks and future planning. OpenAI's goals seem to extend beyond simple scheduling; Bloomberg reports that an autonomous AI agent called "Operator" is set to be released, which may integrate with the "Tasks" feature to enable more complex information searches, problem analysis, and data aggregation.

Although the introduction of the "Tasks" feature expands the application of ChatGPT into the realm of digital assistants, users still need to approach its reliability with caution. OpenAI has indicated that it is still collecting real-world feedback to further optimize the feature.

Key Points:

✅ The new "Tasks" feature allows users to schedule future actions and reminders, enhancing the practicality of ChatGPT.  

🔔 Users can easily manage daily tasks by simply inputting the desired tasks and timings to ChatGPT.  

💼 Currently available only to paid users, it is unclear if it will be offered to free users, and it is expected to remain a premium feature.