ChatGPT Now Accessible on WhatsApp

ChatGPT expands its reach by becoming available on WhatsApp. Users can easily connect by adding 1 (800) CHAT-GPT to their contacts and enjoy chatbot interactions through text-only features.

Guess what? OpenAI just dropped ChatGPT on WhatsApp, and it’s as easy as adding a contact—just punch in 1 (800) CHAT-GPT (or 1 (800) 242-8478 if you’re not into the whole spelling thing). Right now, it’s all about texting; no fancy voice stuff or visuals yet. But don’t let that fool you—the o1-mini model behind it is sharp as a tack, and hey, it’s up and running worldwide on WhatsApp, no account needed. Talk about low commitment!

OpenAI’s teasing some future magic with user authentication via WhatsApp, but they’re playing it coy with the ‘when.’ Meanwhile, if you’re in the US and prefer talking over typing, the same number hooks you up with a ChatGPT hotline. Any phone works, and you get 15 minutes on the house. Want more? Just log in. Easy peasy.

Kevin Weil, the big brain (aka chief product officer) at OpenAI, says this whole shebang is about making ChatGPT as easy to reach as your favorite pizza place. It all sparked from a hack week—because why not? And if that’s not enough, the ’12 Days of OpenAI’ shindig also rolled out ChatGPT Search for the free crowd and threw open the doors to Sora, their video genie. Now that’s what I call a holiday treat.