Google Gemini and ChatGPT Add Scheduled Actions to Boost AI Productivity
Key Points
- Google Gemini adds scheduled actions that run automatically on a set time or recurrence.
- ChatGPT introduces scheduled tasks with a workflow identical to Gemini’s feature.
- Both features require a paid subscription starting at $20 per month.
- Users can have up to ten active schedules on each platform.
- Actions and tasks run even when the app is closed, with email and push notifications.
- Management interfaces allow creating, editing, pausing, and deleting schedules.
- Supported frequencies include one‑off, daily, weekly, and monthly runs.
Google Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT have both rolled out scheduled automation features that let users program the bots to perform tasks at specific times or on recurring intervals. Users can create actions or tasks by describing the desired activity and its schedule, and the services will execute them even when the apps are closed, sending notifications via email or push alerts. Both platforms require a paid subscription, limit users to ten concurrent schedules, and provide simple interfaces for creating, editing, pausing, or deleting the automated jobs.
Google Gemini Introduces Scheduled Actions
Google Gemini now offers a feature called scheduled actions, allowing users to tell the AI to perform a task on a set date, time, or recurring cadence. The process is straightforward: a user describes the desired action and includes the timing details in the prompt. Gemini then confirms the request with a recap that outlines what will happen, when, and how often. Once confirmed, the action runs automatically, regardless of whether the Gemini interface is open, and users receive a notification on their devices and an email alert.
ChatGPT Mirrors Functionality with Scheduled Tasks
OpenAI’s ChatGPT has introduced a comparable capability known as scheduled tasks. The workflow mirrors Gemini’s: users describe the task and its schedule, and ChatGPT identifies the intention, presents a summary, and asks for confirmation. The tasks run on the specified schedule, and users are notified through the same channels—push notifications and email—whether or not they are actively using the app.
Subscription Requirements and Limits
Both services require a paid subscription to unlock the scheduling features. Google Gemini’s AI service starts at $20 per month for the Google AI Pro plan, while ChatGPT’s subscription plans also begin at $20 per month with ChatGPT Plus. Each platform caps the number of active schedules at ten, meaning users must prioritize which automations are most valuable.
Creating, Editing, and Managing Schedules
Gemini users can create, edit, pause, or delete scheduled actions through the web interface by navigating to Settings & Help and selecting Scheduled actions, or via the mobile app by tapping the account picture and choosing Scheduled actions. An Edit button on the web lets users modify the action or its timing.
ChatGPT users manage tasks by clicking the three‑dot menu on a task box and selecting Manage tasks, or by going to Settings > Notifications > Manage tasks. The same notifications panel lets users choose email alerts, push notifications, or both.
Use Cases and Flexibility
Examples of possible automations include generating a daily weather and news briefing, receiving a weekly meal suggestion, or prompting the AI to create a trivia question each evening. Users can set one‑off actions for a specific date and time, or configure recurring daily, weekly, or monthly schedules. More complex cadences, such as “every second Tuesday,” are not supported.