OpenAI has introduced a new way to interact with ChatGPT: a dedicated phone line. Users in the US can now call 1-1800-CHATGPT (1-1800-242-8278) to engage in voice-based conversations with the AI assistant for up to 15 minutes per month, which is entirely free.
This innovative feature also allows global users to send text messages via WhatsApp to the same number, making AI more accessible than ever.

This phone-based version of ChatGPT is designed as an entry point for newcomers to AI, offering a streamlined version compared to its web-based counterpart. When a user calls, they hear a friendly greeting: "Hello again, it's ChatGPT, an AI assistant. Our conversation may be reviewed for safety. How can I help you?" Callers can ask ChatGPT a wide range of questions, creating an interactive and hands-free AI experience.
The service leverages OpenAI's real-time API for its voice functionality, while the WhatsApp integration runs on GPT-4o mini. Both platforms aim to provide a user-friendly, cost-effective way to try AI without requiring access to a smartphone or computer.
During a live stream demo on December 18, OpenAI showcased the versatility of the future, demonstrating calls made from a flip phone and a vintage rotary phone.
OpenAI also informs users that the calls won't be used to train its models, addressing potential privacy concerns. The service limits free voice calls to 15 minutes per phone per month, but users can extend their interaction through the ChatGPT app for more comprehensive features and usage.

This fantastic new feature is inspired by an internal "hack week" project that aims to make AI accessible to a broader audience. It mirrors Google's 2007 GOOG-411 service, which offered free dictionary assistance by voice.
With 1-1800-CHATGPT, OpenAI is breaking new ground in conversation AI, making it easier than ever to interact with cutting-edge technology. This initiative simplifies AI and demonstrates the potential of voice-based AI in everyday scenarios.