OpenAI Launches ChatGPT via WhatsApp for Easier Access

OpenAI has unveiled a new way for users to interact with its AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT, through WhatsApp, offering a more convenient and accessible method of communication. The service, available via the number 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478), enables users to talk to ChatGPT via text or voice without needing to create an OpenAI account.

This new feature, which is being rolled out as part of an experimental launch, is designed to widen the reach of ChatGPT, especially among those who may find using the web or mobile apps less accessible. Unlike the standard version of ChatGPT, which requires users to log in to an OpenAI account, accessing the AI through WhatsApp only requires a phone number from the U.S. or Canada, and the service must be used from a supported country.

To start a conversation, users simply need to send a message or make a call to 1-800-CHATGPT on WhatsApp. However, there are some restrictions. The service is not available through SMS or RCS, and users must rely on their carrier’s standard messaging and call fees. Additionally, the WhatsApp version of ChatGPT has limitations. It cannot access real-time information via search, communicate with images, or utilize memory features. The AI’s knowledge base also cuts off at October 2023, meaning it cannot provide updates on events or developments beyond that time.

While ChatGPT through WhatsApp is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, it does come with some restrictions compared to the full version of ChatGPT. For instance, users will not be able to interact with the chatbot in the same way they might on the OpenAI platform, where users can engage in more advanced tasks like browsing the web, uploading files, or accessing personalized memory.

Despite these limitations, the launch is part of OpenAI’s ongoing efforts to democratize access to artificial intelligence. By leveraging WhatsApp, one of the most widely used messaging platforms in the world, OpenAI is able to reach a broader audience, including users who may not have regular access to the internet or prefer not to use dedicated apps.

As the service remains in its experimental phase, OpenAI will likely continue to monitor its use and refine the features to better meet user needs in the future.