Jan 14 (Reuters) – OpenAI, the trailblazer in generative artificial intelligence, has announced the beta release of a new feature called Tasks for ChatGPT. This move positions the company to compete directly with virtual assistants like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa.
The Tasks feature allows ChatGPT users to schedule actions for future execution. These include one-time reminders, such as tracking concert ticket sales, and recurring tasks, like providing weekly news summaries or daily weather updates. ChatGPT will also use contextual clues from conversations to suggest tasks, but users retain full control over whether to accept or decline these suggestions.
A New Era in AI Assistants
OpenAI’s entry into the virtual assistant space comes as competition heats up in the market. The launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 fueled a surge of investment in AI, prompting key players like Amazon and Apple to enhance their own offerings.
In response, Amazon has updated its decade-old Alexa service with generative AI capabilities. According to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, the revamped Alexa will soon include proactive task management features, enabling it to take actions without user prompts. The enhanced service is expected to roll out in the coming months.
Apple, meanwhile, has incorporated Apple Intelligence into Siri. This technology integrates ChatGPT’s expertise while seeking explicit user consent before accessing OpenAI’s platform. The move is part of Apple’s collaboration with the Microsoft-backed startup, highlighting the growing importance of AI-powered tools.
Global Beta Rollout
OpenAI has begun rolling out the Tasks beta to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users worldwide. The feature will initially be available on the web platform, with plans for broader availability in the future.
As OpenAI continues to expand its capabilities, Tasks represents a significant step in reshaping how users interact with AI in everyday life.
