US users can now access ChatGPT via 1-800-CHATGPT

OpenAI has announced a slew of new features and improvements to ChatGPT in recent days, and the company still has a few more cards up its sleeve. Now, OpenAI is introducing a compelling feature: the ability to make calls to ChatGPT using your phone without requiring cellular data.

Message via WhatsApp to access ChatGPT

US users can now access ChatGPT via 1-800-CHATGPT Picture 1

It's no exaggeration to say that ChatGPT is everywhere. With a quick call to 1-800-CHATGPT, you can now chat with this AI assistant.

However, you can only make calls in the US, and chats are limited to 15 minutes per month to a specific phone number. Anyone using WhatsApp globally can text 1-800-242-8478 to access the AI ​​assistant.

In a livestream, OpenAI said the phone number was generated so that ChatGPT could be accessed if you didn't have a smartphone or computer. The audio version was running a full version of the GPT-4o model. ChatGPT over the phone uses Advanced Voice Mode technology to provide natural conversation with users.

The main idea behind providing access to ChatGPT over a regular phone line is to allow people to talk to the chatbot when they are in an area without an internet connection. In the demo, OpenAI gave the example of people traveling and wanting to learn more about something they saw without having to upload photos or videos.

For users elsewhere in the world, OpenAI also announced that ChatGPT is now available on WhatsApp, allowing users to chat with the chatbot via text directly from Meta's messaging platform. To do so, simply initiate a chat using the same phone number mentioned above (1-800-242-8478). OpenAI says it's working on allowing users to log into their ChatGPT accounts using the WhatsApp bot.

Just ask a question and listen to the response. You can even interrupt if you want to ask another question or ask to end the call. As you can imagine, it's weird talking to an AI over the phone.

Obviously, you can't log into ChatGPT using a phone number, so your chats won't be accessible later. The WhatsApp integration is probably more useful, as you can just use the popular messaging app to ask a quick question.

Earlier this week, OpenAI also made ChatGPT Search available to everyone for free. With ChatGPT Search, users can ask questions and get answers using data collected from the web in real time. OpenAI also added video support to ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode, so users can converse naturally with chatbots over video chat.

What's next for ChatGPT?

US users can now access ChatGPT via 1-800-CHATGPT Picture 2

This unique feature was announced on the 10th day of OpenAI's 12-day "ship-mas" event. During the event, several new features and improvements were added to one of the leading AI chatbot services.

Earlier this week, ChatGPT Search rolled out to all users, even without signing up. You just need an account. ChatGPT Search works like a search engine, but in a more conversational tone, without having to click through a bunch of websites.

If you have the budget to spare, you can also try the new ChatGPT Pro subscription for $200/month, which includes just about everything the company offers.

Additionally, with the release of iOS 18.2 last week, iPhone and iPad users can now chat with ChatGPT right from Siri. The ChatGPT app is available for free on the App Store. It requires an iPhone running iOS 16.4 or later.

Instead of chatting and generating images, OpenAI has also unveiled the Sora video generator. With this tool, you can create videos using only text prompts.

Marvin Fry

Update 20 December 2024