ChatGPT is now accepting phone calls. That’s right, we’re at the next stage of the AI chatbot’s functioning, and for some, this may have been the inevitable next step for AI to take, but for others, this is going too far.
Before you decide where you stand on the matter, let’s properly explore ChatGPT’s call functionality. According to OpenAI, the AI tool has a new phone line that you can call if you ever have a pressing query that you want to ask at once or an internet connection that is too weak to support a quick search on the web or app.
The AI still hasn’t perfected natural conversation and will take on a stilted robotic approach to the interaction as one might expect, but it’s more or less like providing voice instructions to Siri or Alexa and hearing a response.
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ChatGPT Phone Calls Are Now a Very Real Feature of the AI
OpenAI’s ChatGPT call option is impressive in many ways. Users, specifically those in the U.S., can dial 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478) to get connected to the call feature and talk to the AI bot with the same kind of language they may have used in a search query on the app. The chatbot then listens to the question and processes a response, using Advanced Voice Mode technology to provide a semi-realistic response.
Unfortunately, the call feature will not let you spend hours talking to the AI on the phone. You have 15 minutes of conversation time per month. The feature is free to use, however, carrier fees may apply so you can decide whether the conversation is worth your dime.
A Phone Line is Not a New Concept But It’s Still a Fresh Take On AI
If this capability sounds familiar to you, Google had a similar service back in 2007 where you could access a free dictionary service if you called a specific number. It was believed—and confirmed by Google VP Marissa Mayer—that the service was a way for the company to collect voice samples to improve its own services. Getting users to call in and provide those snippets for free was an ingenious, if unsettling, move.
According to an OpenAI spokesperson who responded to The Verge, the company will not be using the calls to train its LLMs. That said, it is still quite likely that the company is going to do something similar with the calls that come in, using the conversations as training material for its AI.
If that sounds scary, consider that all interactions with any AI tool or with the internet in general, provide training content for one large language model or the other, so what’s one more phone number and voice call?
Why did OpenAI Release ChatGPT’s Call Functionality?
While the internal reasons for ChatGPT’s phone call ability are not apparent, from the outside, the 1-800-CHATGPT call feature is a great way for those who aren’t comfortable with AI to try and interact with it. Some folks feel more comfortable with phone conversations, and they may just find this interesting enough to give the app a shot.
You also do not need to have a ChatGPT account to converse with the AI over call, which makes it more appealing for some to try out the tool.
Another explanation states that the call feature provides a way to contact ChatGPT when you’re in an area with poor Wi-Fi or data. If you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere and need to learn how to change a tire, maybe you’ll think of asking ChatGPT how to proceed.
It may be faster to call your dad or a friend instead, but if you have more faith in the powers of AI, then you have 15 minutes to learn everything the AI has to offer. A disclaimer—we don’t recommend using AI during an emergency instead of contacting the relevant professionals under any circumstances.
Instagram has already made it easy to give an AI bot a personality and hobbies so you can chat with it like you would a person, and now OpenAI has made it possible to call the AI like you would a friend.
ChatGPT is Also Available On WhatsApp
If you don’t live in the U.S. but still want a quick and easy way to access the AI chatbot, OpenAI has partnered with Meta to make this possible via WhatsApp. Users can save the same 1-800-CHATGPT number provided above and then send it a text on WhatsApp. That’s all you need to do to interact with the bot.
Meta has already forced its own AI service into all its platforms, so the provision for the ChatGPT bot feels like an unnecessary move, however, there may be an audience for such a feature as well. There is a daily message limit set on the number of messages you can send on WhatsApp as well, so choose your words carefully.
Turning AI into a productivity partner makes sense to a degree but more often now, we’re seeing attempts to turn AI tools into a friendly companion always available to stay by your side wherever you go. Is this the future of technology? We’ll have to wait and see.