Gemini Boosts Productivity With Recurring Task Feature

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

Introducing Gemini Scheduled Actions

Google Gemini has recently launched an innovative skill designed to proactively manage tasks for you. This new feature, named "scheduled actions," is now being integrated into the Gemini app. It allows you to instruct Gemini to carry out specific tasks at a future time, whether as a single occurrence or on a repeating schedule. The AI will then independently execute your requests at the designated dates and times.

Availability and Subscription Details

Currently, this advanced skill is exclusively available to Gemini app users who have a Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription. This approach is common for new AI features, which often begin as premium offerings before potentially becoming available to a wider audience, including free users, at a later date.

For those interested in related Gemini capabilities, you might also want to explore how Gemini can help you catch up on changes in Google Drive files.

Comparison with Similar AI Features

The scheduled actions in Gemini share similarities with the Tasks feature in ChatGPT, which OpenAI introduced earlier this year. Both functionalities aim to enhance user productivity by allowing a single instruction for a regular task, which the AI then performs repeatedly.

Google explained the benefits in a recent blog post, stating, "With scheduled actions, you can streamline routine tasks or receive personalized updates directly from Gemini. In your conversation, simply ask Gemini to perform a task at a specific time, or transform a prompt you're already using into a recurring action. You can manage them anytime within the scheduled actions page within settings."

Potential Use Cases for Scheduled Actions

Google has provided several examples of how this feature can be used. You could ask Gemini to summarize your daily calendar and unread emails, or request five blog ideas every Monday. Sports fans might schedule daily updates on their favorite teams, or you could get results from an awards ceremony delivered the next morning.

If you are considering how Gemini integrates with your Google ecosystem, you might also be interested in learning how to manage Gemini in Gmail, Docs, Photos, and other services.

How to Get Started with Scheduled Actions

To use this feature, ensure your Gemini app is updated to the latest version on your iPhone or Android device. As the scheduled actions skill is still in its rollout phase, it might not be immediately available on your device. To check for availability, open the Gemini app and tap your profile icon located in the upper right corner. The subsequent screen should list "Scheduled actions" as an option. If it's not visible, you will need to wait for the update to reach your account.

Once accessible, navigate to the main screen to create a new prompt. When describing the action for Gemini, remember to include a specific date and time or a recurring interval. The AI will then schedule your task and execute it at the specified time. To review or modify your scheduled tasks, return to the menu by tapping your profile icon and select "Scheduled actions."

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