The era of ChatGPT managing tasks for users has officially commenced. On Tuesday, OpenAI unveiled a new function named “tasks,” aimed at tackling various activities on behalf of users. This feature, which will be gradually introduced in beta to ChatGPT Plus, Teams, and Pro users over the next few days, enables users to schedule ChatGPT to carry out particular tasks at a later date. As per OpenAI, tasks may include providing a weekly news overview, daily weather forecasts, or sending reminders for events such as concert ticket sales. In essence, tasks serve as prearranged prompts for ChatGPT.

### What Are ChatGPT Tasks?

Tasks integrate aspects of Google Alerts, personal calendars, and ChatGPT’s current capabilities into one tool. However, this signifies a crucial achievement for OpenAI, as it marks the company’s initial venture into “agentic AI”—AI that can operate on users’ behalf without needing detailed instructions.

OpenAI has indicated the significance of agentic AI in its overarching strategy. During its 2024 Dev Day, CEO Sam Altman remarked that “2025 is when agents will work,” while Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil noted in a Reddit AMA that ChatGPT initiating conversations with users would be a primary focus for 2025. This transition towards AI agents signals a major advancement, bringing us closer to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—AI that exhibits human-level or even superhuman intellect.

### A Quiet Step Toward AGI

Though the launch of tasks may appear as a minor enhancement—managing simple activities like checking the weather or sending reminders—it indicates a profound evolution in OpenAI’s ambition to realize AGI. Internal documents reviewed by *Bloomberg* present five stages of AI progression at OpenAI. Stage three pertains to “agents,” or systems capable of autonomously taking actions, while stage five envisions “organizations,” wherein AI can execute the functions of an entire organization, attaining superintelligence.

Nevertheless, some experts argue that AGI remains a long-term aspiration. Reports suggesting AI models have hit a developmental plateau bring to light uncertainties regarding how swiftly OpenAI can fulfill its lofty goals.

### How to Use ChatGPT Tasks

To begin utilizing tasks, users can choose “Go with scheduled tasks” from the dropdown menu in ChatGPT. In this mode, any message sent to ChatGPT will automatically generate a task. Users can oversee their tasks via the dropdown menu in their profile. Furthermore, ChatGPT can propose tasks that users can either accept or decline. Task notifications will be sent as push alerts on web browsers, macOS desktops, or mobile devices, based on the platform in use.

Examples of tasks include setting up daily affirmations at a designated time, receiving bedtime jokes for children, or scheduling reminders for significant events. For instance, you could instruct ChatGPT to deliver a knock-knock joke every evening at 6 p.m. or commence your day with motivational quotes at 7 a.m.

### Global Rollout

The beta iteration of tasks will begin its global rollout today and in the upcoming days for Plus, Teams, and Pro users across all platforms, including web browsers, the macOS desktop application, and the ChatGPT mobile app. However, the task management feature will initially be accessible solely through the web application.

This new capability highlights OpenAI’s ongoing effort to embed ChatGPT further into users’ everyday activities, paving the way for a future where AI assumes an even more proactive role.