Talk to ChatGPT without the internet: Your new hotline buddy

OpenAI has launched new features for ChatGPT, notably enabling users to interact with the AI via landlines and WhatsApp. This service allows individuals in the U.S. to call 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478) without requiring an internet connection. The move aims to enhance accessibility and engagement, providing users with real-time assistance on various topics.

OpenAI’s introduction of ChatGPT for landlines represents a significant advancement in accessibility for users without internet access. By dialing 1-800-CHATGPT, callers engage with a voice-only version of the platform, utilizing Advanced Voice Mode technology. This allows for a fluid conversational experience, enabling users to ask questions, get translations, and seek assistance on basic tasks. Importantly, U.S. users receive a free initial 15 minutes of calling, after which standard carrier rates apply. This development signifies OpenAI’s commitment to reaching a broader audience, particularly those lacking advanced devices or reliable internet service.

In a recent demonstration, OpenAI illustrated how this feature could be beneficial for travelers wanting instant information about their surroundings without using data. It’s a straightforward and effective way to engage with sophisticated AI technology, reinforcing OpenAI’s goal of making artificial general intelligence (AGI) accessible to all.

In addition to landlines, OpenAI has expanded its services to the popular messaging platform WhatsApp. Users can now initiate a text-based chat with ChatGPT by messaging the same number, 1-800-CHATGPT. This integration allows users to ask questions and engage in conversations without needing a dedicated account, although a daily limit on usage applies.

While the WhatsApp interface remains basic at this stage, OpenAI is actively working on enhancements that may include image analysis and web search capabilities. Such features could significantly increase user interaction depth. Users are also notified as they approach their daily usage limits, improving usability and helping manage expectations.

Kevin Weil, OpenAI’s Chief Product Officer, stated that the motivation behind these updates stems from a desire to democratize AI technology. “Our mission is to make AI beneficial to all of humanity. Bringing ChatGPT to phones and WhatsApp is a step toward that goal,” he articulated. This approach reflects OpenAI’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, allowing for a more inclusive technology landscape.

Alongside the landline and WhatsApp features, OpenAI has made ChatGPT Search publicly available for free. This service enables users to ask real-time questions and receive answers backed by data collected from the web. Furthermore, recent updates included video support for ChatGPT, enhancing the Advanced Voice Mode to allow users to engage in conversations via video chat effectively.

Also noteworthy is the integration of ChatGPT in iOS systems, with the latest update to iOS 18.2 allowing users to communicate directly with ChatGPT through Siri. This indicates a growing trend of integrating AI functionalities into existing platforms, facilitating diverse interaction methods.

Featured image credit: René Ranisch/Unsplash