On Tuesday, OpenAI announced the introduction of a beta feature named "Tasks" for ChatGPT.

What Happened: The move marks OpenAI’s entry into the virtual assistant market, positioning itself against established players like Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google Assistant, Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AAPL) Siri and Amazon.com Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AMZN) Alexa.

The "Tasks" feature allows ChatGPT users to schedule future tasks, such as setting reminders for events or arranging regular updates like daily weather forecasts.

See Also: After Apple Halts ';Hardware' Subscription Plans, Samsung Unveils Similar Strategy For AI-Powered Galaxy Smartphones

How To Use The ‘Tasks’ Feature

Step I: Select “GPT-4o with scheduled tasks” from the model picker.

Step II: Once selected, provide ChatGPT with a message specifying the task and its timing.

Scheduled tasks can be managed directly within the chat or through the “Tasks” section in the profile menu. ChatGPT may also suggest tasks based on user interactions, giving users the option to accept or decline as needed.

While scheduling tasks is supported across all platforms using natural language prompts, managing tasks is currently limited to the task manager on the web version. Notifications for scheduled tasks will be delivered via web, desktop, and mobile once set up.

Availability: The Tasks beta is being rolled out globally over the next few days, exclusive to premium users—including Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers. The rollout begins with web access.

Subscribe to the Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.

Why It Matters: The introduction of OpenAI’s ‘Tasks’ feature comes at a time when major tech companies are intensifying their efforts in the AI-driven virtual assistant market.

For example, Apple also decided to incorporate its “Apple Intelligence” into Siri, leveraging ChatGPT’s capabilities.

Amazon also previously said that it is upgrading Alexa with generative AI capabilities to stay competitive. Last year, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy revealed plans for a new version of Alexa that will autonomously perform tasks, expected to launch soon.

In 2023, Google Assistant, the personal assistant integrated into Android and iOS devices, was boosted with the capabilities of Bard, now called Gemini.

Check out more of Benzinga’s Consumer Tech coverage by following this link.

Read Next:

• Stephen King Slams Elon Musk's H-1B Visa Stance: ';Musk Thinks Smart Immigrants Can Stay – The Rest of You Washing Dishes … Get Lost'

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.