How to Use ChatGPT on WhatsApp and Phone Calls: A Complete Guide

OpenAI has introduced a new, innovative way of interacting with its AI chatbot, ChatGPT. The company now offers free phone service to users in the United States and worldwide through WhatsApp. One of the updates in the "12 Days of Christmas" by OpenAI, this initiative will make AI more accessible to users who do not have familiarity with conventional web platforms.

Phone Service for US-Based Users:
US residents can now dial 1-800-CHATGPT to engage with ChatGPT through voice-based interactions. This service provides up to 15 minutes of free call time per month, offering a seamless, hands-free experience. Built on OpenAI’s Realtime API, it eliminates the need for typing or internet browsing, making AI technology more approachable and inclusive.

WhatsApp Integration for Global Users
For international users, OpenAI integrated ChatGPT with WhatsApp, a globally recognized messaging platform. For text-based AI interactions, users need to text ChatGPT on 1-800-242-8478. Being powered by GPT-4o mini through the WhatsApp API, this facility acts as an accessible entry point for exploring the potentiality of AI.

Kevin Weil, OpenAI’s Chief Product Officer, described these tools as an introduction to AI for those less familiar with the technology, emphasizing their simplicity and ease of use.

Streamlined and Experimental Features:
These services are a dumbed-down version of ChatGPT and will appeal to newcomers and less tech-savvy users. Advanced features or higher usage limits will still be available to existing users, who can continue to use the full web-based service. OpenAI sees these experimental features as a low-barrier entry point to AI, opening the technology to a much wider audience.
Data privacy is covered, as the company states that it does not intend to use any call data in training its language models. This move cements the company's commitment to ethical AI practice and maintaining user confidentiality.

Inspired by Past Innovations:
The mobile phone service also reminds me of Google's 2007 GOOG-411 project, which served as a voice-based directory assistance tool to improve upon Google's speech recognition system. The initiative taken here by OpenAI, on the other hand, centers around providing users with clear and transparent access to superintelligent tools.

Strategic Growth and Future Plans:
These services are part of OpenAI’s broader mission to democratize AI while balancing the operational costs of its sophisticated models. Developed during an intensive “hack week,” the features highlight OpenAI’s agility in innovation.

The company plans to adapt these offerings based on user feedback and demand. While the phone service remains US-only for now, WhatsApp integration is accessible globally, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to inclusivity.

Additional December Updates:
In addition to these accessibility features, OpenAI has introduced an AI text-to-video generator called Sora and a premium subscription plan. Priced at $200 per month, the premium tier offers access to OpenAI’s most advanced models for users with specialized needs.

Pioneering AI Accessibility:

OpenAI is breaking barriers to the adoption of AI by enabling interactions with ChatGPT through phone calls and WhatsApp. These efforts are likely to transform how people from all walks of life experience and interact with AI, marking a significant milestone in making this technology more inclusive and user-friendly.