OpenAI has made its ChatGPT AI chatbot accessible via a toll-free phone number and WhatsApp.
The update from yesterday is part of the “12 Days of OpenAI” series of announcements, where the company releases new features and updates for its major products.
Individuals in the U.S. can call 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478) to engage in voice conversations with the AI, while those outside the U.S. can use WhatsApp to send text messages to the same number.
The phone service is powered by OpenAI’s Realtime API, a set of protocols that allows different software systems to communicate. The WhatsApp feature uses GPT-4o mini, a smaller, more efficient version of the GPT-4o model optimized for specific tasks.
These new options were developed in a matter of weeks following an internal “hack week” project and were showcased in a live-streamed demonstration where OpenAI staff showed the practicality of the phone service using various devices.
Bridging the Accessibility Gap
The new phone service offers a simplified version of ChatGPT compared to its online counterpart. An OpenAI spokesperson explained that the company designed the feature as a basic introduction to the chatbot’s capabilities, aimed primarily at individuals who may not regularly use smartphones or computers. According to the spokesperson, it facilitates a simple first contact with AI technology.
Simultaneously, the broader release of the o1 model through the API provides developers with enhanced tools for building AI-powered applications. The o1 model replaces the earlier preview version and offers improved accuracy and efficiency in areas like programming and business-related tasks.
Previous Announcements During the “12 Days of OpenAI”
December 18 brought API access for the full version OpenAI’s o1 model, enhancements to the Realtime API for voice interactions, and a new preference fine-tuning method.
On December 16, OpenAI made its ChatGPT live web search feature available to all users, allowing anyone to retrieve up-to-date information directly from the web.
December 14 brought new customization options to ChatGPT, letting users streamline tasks and manage projects effectively. Projects allows users to group chats, files, and custom instructions into dedicated folders, creating an organized workspace for managing tasks and workflows.
As a huge improvement to its advanced voice mode for ChatGPT, OpenAI on December 12 added vision capabilities, enabling users to share live video and screens for real-time analysis and assistance.
On December 11, OpenAI fully released Canvas, a collaborative editing workspace that offers advanced tools for both text and code refinement. Initially launched in beta in October 2024, Canvas replaces ChatGPT’s standard interface with a split-screen design, allowing users to work on text or code while engaging in conversational exchanges with the AI.
The addition of Python execution is a standout feature of Canvas, enabling developers to write, test, and debug scripts directly within the platform. OpenAI demonstrated its utility during a live event by using Python to generate and refine data visualizations. OpenAI described the feature as “reducing friction between idea generation and implementation”.
On December 9, OpenAI officially launched Sora, its advanced AI tool for generating videos from text prompts, signaling a new era for creative AI. Integrated into paid ChatGPT accounts, Sora allows users to animate still images, extend existing videos, and merge scenes into cohesive narratives.
Released on December 7 was Reinforcement Fine-Tuning as a new framework designed to enable the customization of AI models for industry-specific applications. It is OpenAI’s latest approach to improving AI models by training them with developer-supplied datasets and grading systems. Unlike traditional supervised learning, which focuses on replicating desired outputs
On December 5, OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT Pro, a new premium subscription tier priced at $200 per month, aimed at professionals and enterprises seeking advanced AI capabilities for high-demand workflows.
