OpenAI has taken a groundbreaking step in making artificial intelligence more accessible to the masses with the launch of 1-800-ChatGPT, a service that brings its popular AI chatbot to WhatsApp and traditional phone calls. This innovative approach eliminates the need for dedicated accounts or apps, potentially revolutionizing how people interact with AI technology.
The service offers two primary channels of communication. Users in the United States and Canada can directly call 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478) for voice interactions, while WhatsApp users globally can message the same number for text-based conversations. This dual approach ensures broader accessibility, particularly in regions where smartphone access might be limited.
To maintain service quality and manage system capacity, OpenAI has implemented usage limits. Phone calls are capped at 15 minutes of free usage per month, while WhatsApp messages have a daily limit. Users receive notifications as they approach these limits, ensuring transparent usage tracking.
The WhatsApp integration, while powerful, comes with certain limitations. Currently, the service only supports text conversations and doesn’t include features available in the full ChatGPT experience, such as image processing, custom instructions, or account synchronization. The AI’s knowledge base is also limited to October 2023, meaning it cannot address more recent events.
This strategic move by OpenAI appears to be a direct response to Meta’s existing AI presence on WhatsApp through Meta AI. By offering a more accessible version of ChatGPT, OpenAI is not only expanding its user base but also providing users with an alternative to Meta’s solution.
Use the below article link from OpenAi for the QR code to interact with Chatgpt using Whatsapp:
FAQs
Question: How do I get to 1-800 ChatGPT?
ANS: In the U.S. call 1-800-CHATGPT or send a msg to the same number using WhatsApp internationally
Q: Is it a premium or free service?
A: That Is, but with caps. You get 15 minutes of free Phone calls per month, WhatsApp messages have limitations per day
Q: What does WhatsApp has?
A: It is just a text based chat, no image processing and especially custom instructions available through the WhatsApp integration.
Q: Where is the service available besides U.S. and Canada?
Answer: The WhatsApp messaging service is indeed available internationally.
Q: If I step over a line what happens for the rest of my usage?
A: You’ll get notifications as you get closer to hitting your cap and sometimes (this one thr times) you’ll have to wait another cycle.
Question: to what extent of time is the Knowledge of AI updated?
A: at OpenAI the chatbot is only up to October 2023, anything that happened after i guess isn´t properly addressed.
Q: What’s the point of OpenAI presenting such a service?
Answer: This project to break down the walls around AI by providing functionality accessible from a web browser (i.e. no apps or accounts needed)
Q: Is the phone call app meant only for smartphones?
ANS: Nah, you can call the service using regular phone.
