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😐 AI’s awkward phase

OpenAI’s new Tasks feature lets Plus, Team, and Pro users schedule actions like reminders and daily updates—turning ChatGPT into an even smarter AI assistant.

January 16, 2025

It’s Thursday!

Did you know you can now set and schedule reminders with ChatGPT?

OpenAI’s new Tasks feature lets Plus, Team, and Pro users schedule actions like reminders and daily updates—turning ChatGPT into an even smarter AI assistant.

1: Everyone’s using AI—so why does it feel so unpopular?

AI is everywhere, even if you don’t realize it. It’s behind your GPS, your streaming recommendations, and even the weather app you check every morning. A new Gallup-Telescope survey found that 99% of Americans used at least one AI-enabled product last week. Yet most people aren’t exactly thrilled about it.

What’s the deal?

Here’s the twist: two-thirds of those AI users had no idea they were interacting with AI. Whether it’s Alexa setting timers or Netflix serving up your next binge-worthy series, these tools have quietly woven themselves into everyday life. But when asked about AI in general, the vibes weren’t great:

  • 72% of people think AI is bad for controlling misinformation.

  • 64% worry about its effect on social connections.

  • The only bright spot? 61% believe AI could improve medical diagnosis and treatment.

Why it matters: People are clearly uneasy about the bigger picture. Deepfakes, job losses, and data privacy violations are feeding a sense of mistrust. But here’s the irony: no one’s giving up their GPS or Spotify playlists anytime soon. We rely on these tools, even as they make us nervous.

Who should fix it?

This might surprise you: 68% of Americans think both businesses and government need to step up and tackle the risks of AI together. From misinformation to privacy concerns, people don’t want an “either/or” debate—they want collaboration. For national security issues, though, 62% put the ball firmly in the government’s court.

Americans are stuck in a love-hate relationship with AI. It’s essential, but it’s unsettling. For businesses and policymakers, this is a wake-up call: transparency and collaboration aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re necessary to build trust.

AI isn’t going anywhere, but how we use and regulate it will define whether people embrace it—or just tolerate it.

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2: Google’s AI push: upgrade or upsell?

Google just made its AI tools a default feature in Workspace—Gmail, Docs, Sheets—with a $2 monthly price hike per user. It sounds like a helpful upgrade, but it’s a calculated move to get more businesses using its Gemini AI tools, whether they’re interested or not.

What’s changing?

Previously, businesses had to pay $20–$30 extra for AI features. Now, they’re included in all Workspace plans, with a modest price bump. While $2 per user might seem small, it adds up fast across millions of users. It’s a classic bundle strategy: even if you didn’t want it, you might find yourself using it.

Microsoft’s different play

Meanwhile, Microsoft announced a pay-per-use model for some AI tools in its Copilot suite. It’s less of a forced buy-in but could lead to unpredictable costs for heavy users. Both companies are tweaking their strategies to win over businesses that are still cautious about investing in AI.

The bigger picture:  This isn’t just about pricing—it’s a race to make AI indispensable. By integrating these tools into everyday software, Google and Microsoft are betting businesses won’t want to go back. For startups and companies alike, it’s a signal: the AI-powered workplace is here. The real challenge? Figuring out how much value it’s worth.

3: Agentic AI: the next wave of automation?

Generative AI might be the headline act today, but agentic AI is the buzzworthy sequel. Instead of just generating content, agentic AI takes action—handling multi-step tasks autonomously, like booking flights, managing supply chains, or solving IT issues. Think of it as your digital coworker that actually gets things done.

What’s the big deal?

Tech heavyweights are betting big:

  • Google: Gemini 2.0 focuses on agentic AI, with CEO Sundar Pichai describing it as thinking "multiple steps ahead and acting on your behalf."

  • OpenAI: Launching "Operator," a tool that can code, plan, and execute tasks independently.

  • Nvidia: Pushing the boundaries with agentic AI that "uses sophisticated reasoning and iterative planning to solve complex problems."

  • Salesforce: Promises to deploy over a billion AI agents next year, calling it the "third wave" of AI evolution.

Real-world impact

Agentic AI is poised to transform industries like:

  • Healthcare: Automating patient scheduling and data analysis.

  • Customer service: Resolving queries from start to finish.

  • Cybersecurity: Detecting threats and patching vulnerabilities autonomously.

  • Supply chain management: Predicting demand, optimizing logistics, and preventing bottlenecks.

While the promise is undeniable, there are questions about oversight and accountability. What happens when these agents go rogue or make mistakes? Leaders like Salesforce’s Marc Benioff stress that businesses must balance innovation with human supervision.

Agentic AI isn’t just a tech buzzword—it’s a glimpse into a future where AI doesn’t just assist but takes the wheel on complex tasks. It could redefine how businesses operate and free up humans to focus on creative, strategic work. Whether it’s revolution or hype, one thing’s clear: AI’s next act is just getting started.

More news

  • Apple’s teaming up with UALink to tackle AI connectivity, making next-gen AI clusters faster and more efficient.

  • Wyze is rolling out AI alerts that tell you exactly what’s happening—part of its new Cam Unlimited Pro plan.

  • Bidens new executive order pushes data centers to go green, cutting emissions and boosting energy efficiency.

  • OpenAI and Axios are funding AI-powered local newsrooms to give regional journalism a tech upgrade.

The New York Times: She Is in Love With ChatGPT.