Americans can already call ChatGPT by phone

OpenAI surprised during the tenth of his “12 days of Christmas” with « 1-800-CHATGPT »a new feature that allows you to make free calls to ChatGPT. The service allows you to send messages via WhatsApp globally by dialing the number 1-800-242-8478 or speak directly with the chatbot if you live in the United States, using the same number. According to Kevin Weilproduct director of OpenAI, this project was developed in just a few weeks and aims to bringing artificial intelligence closer to a wider audience.

L’ relies on OpenAI's real-time API to manage calls and on a integration of GPT-4o mini with WhatsApp API for messages. The usage limit is 15 minutes per month per phone numberalthough more “creative” users could “get around” this obstacle by using virtual phone numbers.

For OpenAI, this tool represents an ideal opportunity for new users who want to try ChatGPT in a simple and economical way. “It’s a low-cost way to experience it through known channels,” the company explained. However, they emphasize that regular users who need more advanced features and customization options should continue to use their regular accounts through the website.

The OpenAI proposal recalls the GOOG-411a voice assistance service launched by Google in 2007 and removed in 2010. Although no official explanation was given for its closure, Marissa Mayerthen vice president of Google, admitted that the goal of the project was to collect voice samples to improve their speech recognition models. “We need a lot of people talking to train robust models,” Mayer explained at the time.

To dispel any possible suspicions, OpenAI clarified that the calls will not be used to train language models. According to Taya Christiansona company spokesperson, “we will not use these calls to train large language models.”