Google is expanding the capabilities of its Gemini AI assistant with the introduction of a new feature: scheduled actions. The move places Gemini in more direct competition with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which added a similar task scheduling function earlier this year.
Scheduled actions allow Gemini users to set reminders, automate information updates, or initiate recurring tasks through simple voice or text prompts. The assistant can be instructed to perform these actions at specific times or on repeating schedules, bringing it in line with ChatGPT’s existing ability to handle time-based automation.
OpenAI rolled out task scheduling in January for ChatGPT, supporting features like automated daily briefings or reminders tied to future dates. These tasks are currently available on ChatGPT Web, iOS, Android, and macOS platforms, supported by the o3 and o4-mini models. However, users are currently limited to 10 active tasks at any given time, with the option to pause or delete tasks to stay within that cap.
While Google has not disclosed whether Gemini imposes similar limits, the scheduled actions feature is now live for users on paid Gemini plans—specifically Google AI Pro, Ultra, and eligible Workspace business and education tiers. Users can manage their scheduled actions through the app’s settings, although Google hasn’t provided details on task caps or long-term retention.
The addition of scheduling tools is part of a broader trend aimed at positioning AI assistants as integral tools for daily productivity. These features extend their usefulness beyond reactive responses, enabling more proactive support—whether it’s through daily news briefings, reminders, or recurring to-do prompts.
As AI systems like ChatGPT and Gemini continue to develop personalized automation tools, the emphasis is shifting from one-off queries to sustained task management. That shift could reshape how users interact with AI, turning assistants into lightweight digital managers that anticipate needs and deliver updates on a reliable cadence. The race to make AI more seamlessly embedded in daily routines appears to be accelerating, and scheduling capabilities are now becoming a key feature in that competition.
