OpenAI’s new beta feature for ChatGPT debuts with a glitch, quickly recovers. Here is how to use it

OpenAI’s latest enhancement to ChatGPT, the ‘Tasks’ feature, is already making waves, allowing users to schedule reminders and set recurring requests. However, the launch wasn’t entirely glitch-free. Shortly after rolling out the beta version to users with paid plans—ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro accounts—the feature encountered unexpected server issues.

OpenAI promptly acknowledged the hiccup on X (formerly Twitter), assuring users that their team was addressing the problem. In a follow-up post, the company confirmed that the issue had been resolved, restoring full functionality to the new feature.

What is ‘Tasks’, and why does it matter?

The ‘Tasks’ feature represents a significant leap toward transforming ChatGPT from a chatbot into a proactive digital assistant, rivalling tools like Siri and Alexa. Users can now schedule reminders and manage recurring tasks seamlessly. Whether it’s a gentle nudge to log work hours every Friday or a monthly check for concert tickets, Tasks promises a new level of efficiency for ChatGPT users.

Setting up a Task is straightforward: users simply navigate to the dropdown menu and select the “Go with scheduled tasks” option. From there, they can create and manage their reminders via the web app or other supported platforms. The feature even offers personalized task suggestions, adapting to user interactions for a tailored experience.

Advanced Capabilities with Limitations

One of the standout abilities of Tasks is its integration with scheduled web browsing. Users can instruct ChatGPT to gather specific information—like ticket availability or event schedules—on a recurring basis. However, the feature has some boundaries; it cannot conduct continuous searches or make purchases.Despite these limitations, the ‘Tasks’ feature is part of OpenAI’s ambitious exploration of AI agents—autonomous models designed to anticipate and act on user needs.