OpenAI's ChatGPT, a popular chatbot, has recently added a to-do list app feature, aiming to transform the way users manage their tasks. The new feature, called Tasks, allows paid users to set reminders and create to-do lists within the chatbot. Additionally, Pro subscribers can access Operator, an "agentic" model that attempts to accomplish tasks on behalf of the user. While the concept is intriguing, the execution is still flawed, making it a promising but imperfect productivity tool.

As an early adopter, David Pierce, editor-at-large at The Verge, put ChatGPT's to-do list app to the test. He found that the app's reminders are reliable, but the process of adding tasks is convoluted. Users must open ChatGPT, select the correct model, and then type or speak their tasks. The app's organization and project management features are also lacking, making it difficult to see the entire to-do list or prioritize tasks.

However, ChatGPT's AI capabilities shine when used as a brainstorming partner or first-draft generator. The app can provide useful information to get started on a task, such as suggesting recipes or drafting emails. Operator, the AI agent, can even browse the web to find relevant information or complete tasks, although its success is dependent on the quality of the user's prompts.

Pierce's experience with Operator was a mixed bag. The AI agent successfully found highly rated recipes and pop-punk concerts, but struggled with more complex tasks. It's clear that Operator is still in development and requires refinement to become a reliable productivity tool.

Despite its flaws, ChatGPT's to-do list app has the potential to revolutionize task management. If the app can overcome its limitations and integrate seamlessly with users' workflows, it could become an indispensable tool. For now, it's a promising but imperfect solution that requires patience and flexibility from its users.

The development of ChatGPT's to-do list app is a significant step forward in the evolution of AI-powered productivity tools. As the technology advances, we can expect to see more sophisticated features and capabilities that will transform the way we work and manage our tasks.