OpenAI has unveiled a new beta feature for ChatGPT called Tasks, signaling its ambitious entry into the competitive virtual assistant market, traditionally dominated by Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa. This feature marks a significant step in transforming ChatGPT from a real-time conversational tool into a proactive digital assistant capable of scheduling and managing future actions.
Redefining Task Management
With Tasks, ChatGPT subscribers on Plus, Team, and Pro plans can request scheduled activities ranging from simple reminders, like alerting users about concert ticket sales, to recurring updates, such as daily weather reports or weekly news briefings. To activate the feature, users select the “4o with scheduled tasks” option in the model picker and input their desired task details. Notifications for completed tasks will appear on web, desktop, and mobile platforms, making task management seamless across devices.
A notable aspect of Tasks is its ability to proactively suggest actions based on user conversations. However, users retain full control, with the option to accept or decline these AI-suggested tasks. This blend of initiative and user agency is a strategic effort to position ChatGPT as a versatile and intuitive tool.
Competing in a Crowded Market
OpenAI’s move into this space highlights the growing competition in the virtual assistant industry. Amazon, for instance, is updating its Alexa service with generative AI capabilities to keep pace. Alexa’s forthcoming enhancements, slated for release soon, will allow it to perform actions without direct prompts, reflecting a broader industry trend toward autonomous AI.
Similarly, Apple has integrated “Apple Intelligence” into Siri, utilizing OpenAI’s expertise as part of its collaboration with Microsoft-backed OpenAI. Siri’s revamped features include querying ChatGPT with user permission, aiming to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving market.
Strategic Implications for OpenAI
The introduction of Tasks aligns with OpenAI’s broader mission to monetize AI by expanding ChatGPT’s capabilities. The subscription-only feature is part of OpenAI’s strategy to justify its pricing tiers, which range from $20 to $200 per month. Tasks may also serve as a stepping stone toward more advanced “agentic” AI functionalities. OpenAI’s upcoming “Operator” agent is expected to further enhance automation by independently controlling computers, navigating websites, and solving complex problems.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its potential, the reliability of Tasks remains a key concern. OpenAI acknowledges that the feature is still in beta, advising users not to rely on it for critical reminders. Moreover, the success of Tasks depends on its ability to deliver consistent and accurate results—a challenge OpenAI has faced in previous AI deployments.
As OpenAI continues to refine Tasks, it’s clear that the feature is more than a simple scheduling tool. It represents a broader shift toward AI-powered autonomy, signaling a future where digital assistants can anticipate and fulfill user needs with minimal input.
For now, paying ChatGPT users can explore the beta feature, setting the stage for OpenAI’s evolution from a chatbot pioneer to a key player in the virtual assistant domain.
