Chat with ChatGPT by Phone: OpenAI’s Latest Innovation

OpenAI is bringing AI closer to home with a brand-new way to connect. Now, you can chat with ChatGPT over the phone! Yes, really. Just dial 1-800-CHATGPT and enjoy a free 15-minute conversation. It’s like having an AI assistant right in your pocket.

How It Works

If you’re in the U.S., it’s simple: call 1-800-CHATGPT and start your conversation. You get 15 free minutes per phone number each month. Need more time? You could set up extra Google Voice numbers to keep the chats going. For international users, just message 1-800-242-8478 on WhatsApp to join the fun.

This phone service uses OpenAI’s advanced Realtime API, ensuring smooth, responsive conversations. On WhatsApp, it’s powered by the efficient GPT-4o mini through the WhatsApp API. The goal? To integrate AI seamlessly into the platforms we already rely on.

A Simple, Friendly Introduction to AI

Kevin Weil, OpenAI’s Chief Product Officer, shared that this feature was developed in just a few weeks. He called it a “low-cost way to try out AI through familiar channels.” Perfect for first-timers, it offers a no-pressure way to see what AI can do. Already a seasoned ChatGPT user? Stick with your regular account for more advanced features and options.

Throwback to Google’s GOOG-411

Remember Google’s GOOG-411 from 2007? It was a voice-based directory assistance service that quietly ended in 2010. Interestingly, it wasn’t just a helpful tool—it also gathered speech samples to improve Google’s speech recognition. OpenAI’s new phone feature feels like a modern twist, offering practical value while showcasing advanced AI.

Your Privacy Matters

Worried about privacy? OpenAI’s got you covered. Unlike GOOG-411, your voice chats with ChatGPT won’t be used to train its language models. Taya Christianson, an OpenAI spokesperson, confirmed that user privacy is a top priority. The focus here? Making AI tools accessible without compromising trust.

Why This Matters

By introducing ChatGPT through phone and WhatsApp, OpenAI is making AI more approachable and accessible. For many, this could be their first step into AI-powered conversations. And as competition heats up in the AI space, features like this demonstrate OpenAI’s commitment to innovation and ethics.

Curious? Give 1-800-CHATGPT a try. Whether you’re calling for a quick chat or messaging on WhatsApp, you’re just a conversation away from discovering what AI can do. Who knows? You might be surprised by what it has to say.