
Digital assistants and Large Language Model (LLM) AI chatbots share similarities but differ significantly in purpose, design, and functionality.
Digital assistants like Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Cortana are task-oriented tools, designed to assist with specific, predefined tasks such as setting reminders, sending messages, playing music, controlling smart home devices, or answering straightforward queries. Their primary focus is practicality, delivering short and direct responses tailored to the task at hand.
One of their strengths lies in leveraging real-world context—like location, time, or user preferences—to enhance their utility.
However, while they use AI to interpret user intent, digital assistants rely heavily on rule-based programming and narrow AI models. This limits their ability to handle complex, open-ended conversations, stifling their creativity and nuanced understanding of human language.
In contrast, LLM chatbots like OpenAI ChatGPT are built for versatility, excelling in conversational depth, creative tasks, and complex problem-solving.
These chatbots are designed to bridge the gap between functionality and human-like interaction.
And this time, OpenAI wants to give ChatGPT the ability of a digital assistant, using a feature it calls 'Task.'
Today we’re rolling out a beta version of tasks—a new way to ask ChatGPT to do things for you at a future time.
Whether it's one-time reminders or recurring actions, tell ChatGPT what you need and when, and it will automatically take care of it. pic.twitter.com/7lgvsPehHv— OpenAI (@OpenAI) January 14, 2025
The Task feature allows users to schedule actions and reminders for the future.
Initially rolling out in beta to Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers, the idea is to make ChatGPT function more like a traditional digital assistant—similar to Google Assistant or Siri—while leveraging ChatGPT's advanced language capabilities.
With Tasks, users can tell ChatGPT what they need and specify when it should be done.
For example, they can schedule a daily weather update at 7 AM, set a reminder about their passport’s expiration date, or even ask for a knock-knock joke to share with their kids at bedtime.
With Task, ChatGPT should be able to handle both one-time tasks and recurring tasks with ease.
To access this feature, subscribers need to select “4o with scheduled tasks” in ChatGPT’s model picker.
Once enabled, they can simply type out what you need and when it should happen. The system can also suggest tasks based on ongoing conversations, but users must explicitly approve these suggestions before they are created.
All tasks are easy to manage through chat threads or the new Tasks section available in the profile menu that is initially available to only ChatGPT on the web. Through the interface, users can easily edit or cancel any task they’ve set up.
When tasks are completed, notifications will alert users on the web, desktop, or mobile apps. However, there’s a limit of 10 active tasks that can run simultaneously.
This feature is OpenAI’s latest effort to expand ChatGPT’s functionality beyond just conversations, bringing it closer to the capabilities of traditional digital assistants while maintaining the flexibility and depth of an advanced AI chatbot.
In chat or through the tasks page under the profile menu, you can schedule tasks you want ChatGPT to do, such as send you a weekly global news briefing, get a daily personalized 15-minute workout, or set a reminder for the future. pic.twitter.com/RC0GkhcbNR
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) January 14, 2025
While scheduling capabilities are a common feature in digital assistants, this marks a shift in ChatGPT’s functionality.
Before this, the AI operated solely in real time, responding to immediate requests rather than handling ongoing tasks or future planning. The addition of Tasks suggests OpenAI is expanding ChatGPT’s role beyond conversation into territory traditionally held by virtual assistants.
Google has also entered this realm with Gemini 2.0, in what it calls an AI for the "new agentic era".
But the rise of this kind of AI isnn’t just about technological advancement — it’s about economics
These agent-like features represent a strategic way to monetize expensive AI infrastructure.
Tasks is rolling out today to Plus, Pro, and Teams users in beta…and eventually to everyone with a ChatGPT account.
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) January 14, 2025