On Wednesday, OpenAI unveiled an official phone number for its ChatGPT service. Users in select regions can now call this number to verbally interact with the company’s chatbot. For individuals in other parts of the world, the option to save the contact and communicate via WhatsApp is available, allowing them to engage with the generative artificial intelligence (AI) model through text messaging. Voice call times are limited to 15 minutes per month at this time, although OpenAI has indicated that this policy may evolve in the future.
OpenAI Introduces Phone Calls to ChatGPT
In a recent announcement on X (formerly Twitter), OpenAI promoted the new phone number assigned to ChatGPT as the vanity number 1-800-ChatGPT (+1-800-242-8478). Vanity numbers are designed to be more memorable by aligning letters with numbers on a traditional keypad. The ‘800’ area code designates the number as toll-free, ensuring that callers will not incur charges. Currently, this feature is limited to residents in the United States and Canada.
OpenAI stressed that the 15-minute monthly cap on call time may be subject to adjustment. Those outside of the U.S. and Canada can still connect with ChatGPT via the phone number but are limited to using WhatsApp for communication.
Once the number is saved, WhatsApp users can message ChatGPT in a manner similar to using the official app or website. At present, the WhatsApp experience for the chatbot is confined to text input and output. Other functionalities, including Search, Canvas, and image generation through DALL-E, will not be accessible via WhatsApp or in phone calls.
Importantly, OpenAI confirmed that the phone call functionality does not necessitate smartphones and can be utilized on feature phones as well.
OpenAI continues to bolster ChatGPT’s presence as a leading AI chatbot platform. The company has formed partnerships with major tech firms like Microsoft and Apple to integrate its large language models (LLMs). This year, ChatGPT has also been expanded to both Windows and MacOS platforms. The latest initiative appears to be aimed at reaching rural populations that may have limited data access or have yet to engage with the chatbot experience.
