ChatGPT Introduces Tasks: A Big Step Toward Being Your Personal Assistant

ChatGPT is leveling up with a new tool called Tasks, now in beta. It lets ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users schedule reminders or actions. Think daily weather updates or project notifications—it handles both one-time and recurring tasks.

To set one up, switch to "GPT-4o with scheduled tasks" in the model picker, then write your reminder prompt. Notifications are sent across web, desktop, and mobile platforms, but managing tasks is only available on the web version. ChatGPT can also suggest tasks based on previous chats.

OpenAI says this beta phase will help them learn how people use the tool and improve it before rolling it out to all users. This tool follows other assistant-like upgrades, like screen sharing from OpenAI’s “12 Days of OpenAI” event in December.

Here’s how it works:

1. Select "GPT-4o with scheduled tasks."
2. Send a message detailing the task and its timing.
3. Manage tasks in the “Tasks” section on the web or directly in the chat.

See this handy guide for more instructions with screenshots.

• Voice chats
• File Uploads
• GPTs

OpenAI is launching Tasks globally for premium customers over the next few days, starting with web access. The move positions ChatGPT as a potential competitor to productivity apps.

But there’s more. OpenAI’s evolution, from integrating web search to building browser and reminders, shows a vision for ChatGPT as a one-stop digital assistant. Imagine saying, “Hey Chat, when did I last email Aunt Norma?” and getting a full response—complete with an offer to write and send a follow-up message with chocolates for her address.

It’s funny—just today I was jotting down ways to automate content for my older websites. These sites aren’t my main focus but still deserve attention. If OpenAI adds Tasks to custom GPTs, it could transform how I manage these projects, making automation smoother than ever.