OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT Tasks: A Step Towards AI Agents
OpenAI has recently unveiled a groundbreaking feature called Tasks in ChatGPT, offering users the ability to set reminders and schedule responses to specific prompts. This innovative feature, currently in beta, is exclusively available to Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers as of now.
Enhancing User Experience with Tasks
Users can initiate tasks by selecting "4o with scheduled tasks" from the model picker and input prompts in simple, everyday language. Additionally, ChatGPT may recommend tasks, which necessitate user approval before activation. Through conversations or the dedicated Tasks section in the ChatGPT applications, users can manage up to ten tasks effectively.
Upon reaching the due date, the ChatGPT app will promptly notify users of their scheduled tasks. This development signifies OpenAI's foray into agentic AI, focusing on crafting applications capable of operating somewhat autonomously, catering to the demands of information workers.
Empowering Users with Task Management
The Tasks feature empowers users to schedule reminders such as "Remind me when my passport expires in six months" or establish recurring requests like "Every Friday, give me a weekend plan based on my location and the weather forecast." Users can conveniently manage tasks either through chat or a designated web app section.
While the system can browse the web on a predetermined schedule, it does not support continuous background searches or automated purchases.
Future Prospects and Expansions
OpenAI aims to leverage the beta phase to gather valuable user feedback before a broader rollout, with a specific focus on enhancing functionality within its mobile app and for free users.
CEO Sam Altman has outlined a comprehensive strategy for AI agents, anticipating significant developments by 2025. These AI agents hold the potential to eventually handle tasks on behalf of users.
OpenAI has also outlined five stages of artificial intelligence development, with a specific emphasis on agents capable of taking actions. Future agentic systems such as Operator, expected to execute coding tasks and manage travel bookings, are anticipated to be unveiled in the near future.
Reimagining AI Assistance with ChatGPT Tasks
ChatGPT's Tasks seamlessly integrates familiar components from existing digital assistants while introducing novel functionalities exclusive to this system, aligning with OpenAI's mission to elevate the capabilities of its extensive language model.
With Tasks, users can now engage ChatGPT to browse the web per a set schedule, marking a significant advancement towards more autonomous systems. While the current scope of Tasks showcases controlled agentic capabilities, OpenAI remains vigilant about potential challenges as it progresses towards deploying more independent AI systems.
