OpenAI Launches 1-800-CHATGPT for Phone Calls and Texts
OpenAI has introduced a new way for users to interact with its popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT. U.S. users can now call 1-800-CHATGPT to access the service, while users worldwide can message the same number via WhatsApp.
Key Features
- Free Monthly Access: U.S. callers receive 15 minutes of free access per month.
- Global Messaging via WhatsApp: Users worldwide can send text messages to the number.
- No Account Required for Calls: Callers can access the service without a ChatGPT account, though OpenAI is working on linking WhatsApp messages to existing accounts.
Part of a Broader Expansion
This new feature is part of OpenAI’s ongoing efforts to make ChatGPT more accessible. The announcement comes amid the company’s 12-day release event, which also included the official launch of Sora, OpenAI’s advanced AI video-generation tool.
Growing Market Presence
OpenAI has been scaling rapidly to compete in the booming generative AI market, projected to generate over $1 trillion in revenue within the next decade. Recent milestones include:
- Hiring its first chief marketing officer to boost advertising and user acquisition.
- Introducing a search feature within ChatGPT to compete with Google, Microsoft Bing, and other AI tools.
- Securing a valuation of $157 billion after its latest funding round in October, along with a $4 billion revolving line of credit, giving the company over $10 billion in liquidity.
Built in Record Time
OpenAI revealed during a livestream that the 1-800-CHATGPT tool was developed in just a few weeks. This quick turnaround reflects the company’s agile approach as it battles competitors like Amazon-backed Anthropic, Elon Musk’s xAI, Google, Meta, and Microsoft in the race to dominate generative AI.
With these updates, OpenAI continues to expand its reach, providing users with new and innovative ways to interact with its technology.
