OpenAI has unveiled a new beta feature in ChatGPT: Tasks. It enables users to schedule future actions and reminders, akin to Google Assistant or Siri, but with the advanced language capabilities that ChatGPT is known for. With Tasks, users can now instruct ChatGPT to perform scheduled one-time or recurring tasks, such as providing daily weather reports, sports scores, or news digests.
To use it, select the "4o with scheduled tasks" option in ChatGPT’s model picker, then type out the desired task and specify when it should be executed. The system is also designed to proactively suggest tasks based on ongoing conversations, although users must approve these suggestions before they are set. Tasks can be managed directly within chat threads or through a dedicated Tasks section available on the web, allowing for easy modification or cancellation. Notifications are sent upon task completion across web, desktop, and mobile platforms, with a limit of 10 active tasks running simultaneously.
The introduction of Tasks is part of OpenAI's broader ambition to expand ChatGPT's role beyond simple conversation. Reports suggest that OpenAI is working on "Operator," an autonomous AI agent capable of independently controlling computers, and "Caterpillar," which could integrate with Tasks to enhance its functionality further.
This is exciting stuff, but remember: all AI tools can (and do) often provide unexpected results -- that's why this is a beta release.
As always your thoughts and comments are both welcome and encouraged. Just reply to this email. -s
P.S. My heart goes out to all who have been affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Here is a list of charities vetted by Charity Navigator as well as Charity Watch. The links I have provided go directly to the named websites.
P.P.S. Check out the highlights from the Shelly Palmer Innovation Series Breakfast at CES 2025: Linda Yaccarino, Mark Cuban, Jeffrey Katzenberg, May Habib, Anjali Sud, Michael Kassan, and me.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.
