ChatGPT’s Scheduled Tasks Feature: Game-Changer or Half-Baked?

ChatGPT’s newest feature, “GPT-4o with Scheduled Tasks,” sounds like it belongs on a list of history’s most uninspired product names. OpenAI once again proves that naming things is not their strength—GPT-4o Mini, o1-mini-preview, ChatGPT with Canvas, etc. You get the idea.

But beneath the bad name lies something interesting—though not yet exciting. It’s a glimpse into the AI-driven agentic future we’ve been teased with for years. Keyword: glimpse.

Currently in Beta (and it shows), ChatGPT’s Scheduled Tasks feature allows users to schedule recurring tasks and reminders through ChatGPT. At first glance, this seemed like a release no one asked for. On second glance? Okay, I can see where this might go. But for now, the tool is limited by glaring incompatibilities and Beta hiccups that make it feel like a preview rather than a polished product.

Important Note: Throughout this article, we will use the terms “ChatGPT’s Scheduled Tasks”, “ChatGPT Reminders”, and “GPT-4o with Scheduled Tasks” interchangeably. They all mean the same thing.

The Current Limitations of ChatGPT’s Scheduled Tasks Are Real

To put it bluntly, “GPT-4o with Scheduled Tasks” isn’t fully cooked. It’s half-baked. Currently, it doesn’t play well with several essential ChatGPT features, including:

• Voice Chats: OpenAI’s documentation states that reminders weren’t compatible with voice chats. So, you can’t schedule a reminder while using ChatGPT’s voice mode.
• File Uploads: The ability to auto-process files would make this tool exponentially more useful, especially for anyone who works with data for a living. But, nope, not happening.
• GPTs: Custom GPTs, which are one of ChatGPT’s coolest features, also don’t integrate with Scheduled Tasks. A missed opportunity.
• Projects: Currently, it’s not compatible with ChatGPT Projects.

Without access to the broader ChatGPT functionalities, the tool feels limited (because it is). It’s like buying a Swiss Army knife and realizing half the blades are glued shut. Hopefully, the tool will soon be updated to support the rest of the platform.

So, What CAN ChatGPT’s Reminders Do Right Now?

Despite its flaws, there are some creative ways to use the current version of this feature (other than setting generic reminders):

1. Daily Language Learning: Schedule a “word of the day” for a different language to learn and practice. Just don’t be surprised if you get the same word more than once. It’s still in Beta and isn’t perfect.
2. Inspirational Quotes: Start your day with a daily dose of motivation. I’m doing this now, and it’s honestly great. Flood your brain with positivity when you wake up.
3. Self-Improvement Roasts: Let ChatGPT channel its inner drill sergeant to roast you into better habits at regular times of the day or week. “Get off your couch. Talk to people. Go to the gym. Take a shower. Stop being a loser.” Brutal, but effective.
4. Automated Bedtime Stories: Generate short, creative stories for kids (or yourself) in whatever style you’d like. Getting a new short bedtime story every night before your kids go to bed could save you a lot of time and headaches.
5. Book Recommendations: Schedule a weekly list of highly rated books based on your favorite genres. A potential game-changer for non-readers. And I know how much my audience hates reading.
6. Custom Newsletters: Tailored updates on topics you care about, compiled and sent automatically, in whatever style and format you desire.
7. Daily Sports Recaps: Written in the voice/writing style of your favorite sports broadcaster, such as John Madden.

The Future Potential of GPT-4o with Scheduled Tasks

via GIPHY

Here’s where things get exciting: If OpenAI gets this right, Scheduled Tasks could become a cornerstone of automated personal assistants. Imagine these scenarios once the tool integrates fully with all ChatGPT features:

• Automated Reports: Weekly client analytics or personal progress summaries, complete with visuals. This would be especially useful for anyone who works with data. (Compatibility needed: File Uploads and GPTs.)
• Reminders Using Voice Mode: Set up recurring reminders and tasks while in a voice conversation with ChatGPT. This adds a layer of convenience.
• Automated Tasks that Require GPTs and/or Projects: GPTs are underrated in my opinion, and a lot of them can help you do all sorts of different tasks. Imagine being able to set up recurring tasks with GPTs or a ChatGPT Project that manages your next vacation.

This vision—a future where AI proactively assists with personalized tasks—is tantalizing. But it’s not here yet.

Wrapping It Up

Right now, GPT-4o with Scheduled Tasks feels like a Beta experiment that’s trying to run before it can walk. It’s not groundbreaking. But it has potential. A lot of it!

So, here’s my advice: Experiment with it. Find the quirks. But don’t expect it to revolutionize your productivity—yet. Let’s check back in a few months, assuming OpenAI hasn’t forgotten it exists. And if you want to use it to set generic reminders, then go for it.

Until next time, be sure to run the prompts and prompt the planet!

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