OpenAI now lets you call ChatGPT on your phone

OpenAI is making strides toward transforming ChatGPT into an "everything app" by enabling users to make phone calls to it and message it on WhatsApp.

Starting today, users can call ChatGPT or send it messages on WhatsApp. By adding the number 1-800-ChatGPT to your contacts, you can initiate a phone call or chat with it directly. During a live demo, OpenAI demonstrated how users on a road trip could call ChatGPT to inquire about landmarks such as the "Flintstone House."

While the demo was conducted using an iPhone, OpenAI also showcased how calls could be made with older devices like flip phones and even rotary phones, with ChatGPT reliably answering questions. U.S.-based users with a phone plan will receive 15 minutes of free calling to ChatGPT.

An OpenAI spokesperson clarified that voice call and WhatsApp message data will not be utilized for model training.

Though ChatGPT phone calls weren’t anticipated in OpenAI’s recent feature rollouts, they align with the company's broader strategy to integrate its technology into everyday life. "OpenAI's mission is to ensure artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity, which includes making it widely accessible," said Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil during the livestream.

Recently, OpenAI introduced features like Canvas for drafting and refining text or code, Projects for organizing conversations, and full access to its ChatGPT search engine. While some updates target power users, these new tools aim to attract a more casual, less tech-savvy audience, broadening the platform's appeal.

Looking ahead, OpenAI is expected to release agentic tools capable of web browsing, automated coding, and even initiating conversations. This potential was hinted at through a feature called "Tasks," reportedly discovered by engineer Tibor Blaho and TestingCatalog, which automates tasks such as sending news updates, similar to Google Alerts.

On WhatsApp, ChatGPT functions as a typical chatbot, offering responses to queries, such as providing a pesto recipe. Currently, this interaction is text-based, but image support is expected to be introduced soon.

What is 1-800-ChatGPT?

1-800-ChatGPT is a new experimental feature designed to expand access to ChatGPT. You can now interact with ChatGPT via phone calls or WhatsApp messages at 1-800-ChatGPT, and no account is required.

Please note that ChatGPT will never initiate a call or start a chat with you on WhatsApp. To begin a conversation, you can call 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478) using a U.S. or Canada number, or message 1-800-242-8478 on WhatsApp from supported countries. Standard carrier fees may apply.

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