Google just rolled out scheduled actions for Gemini, bringing the AI assistant up to speed with OpenAI's ChatGPT in the automation game. Both platforms now let paid subscribers set up recurring tasks - from daily weather reports to weekly trivia questions - that run automatically without needing the app open. The feature costs $20 monthly on both services and handles up to 10 scheduled actions at once.
The AI assistant arms race just got more practical. Google rolled out scheduled actions for Gemini this week, finally matching a capability that OpenAI's ChatGPT has offered for months. Both platforms now let you automate recurring tasks - anything from morning weather briefings to evening meal suggestions - without keeping the app open.
The timing feels strategic. As generative AI companies fight for daily usage, scheduling features transform these chatbots from occasional tools into persistent digital assistants. "Maybe you want a weather and news report every morning at 7 am, or perhaps you want an evening meal suggestion every evening at 7 pm," Google explains in its documentation. "Anything you can already get Gemini to do, you can schedule."
Both services follow nearly identical playbooks. Users describe what they want and when - "generate an image of a cat playing with a ball of yarn, every Monday at 12 pm" - and the AI handles the rest. The platforms recognize scheduling intent automatically and confirm details before activation. Tasks run whether you're online or not, with notifications arriving via email and push alerts.
The subscription barrier remains consistent across both platforms: $20 monthly for Google AI Pro or ChatGPT Plus, with a 10-action limit that forces users to prioritize their automated requests. Google supports daily, weekly, and monthly recurring patterns but can't handle complex scheduling like "every second Tuesday."
Interface differences emerge in the details. Google Gemini offers direct editing capabilities on the web version, while ChatGPT requires users to access a dedicated management panel through Settings > Notifications > Manage tasks. Both mobile apps mirror their web functionality, though ChatGPT's task boxes provide more granular control options.
The feature represents a broader shift toward proactive AI assistance. Rather than waiting for prompts, these systems now anticipate user needs based on predetermined schedules. Early use cases span productivity (daily agenda preparation, deadline reminders), entertainment (trivia questions, creative writing prompts), and wellness (workout motivation, meal planning suggestions).
