In a move to introduce AI technology to newcomers, OpenAI has introduced a new feature allowing users to call and message ChatGPT for up to 15 minutes for free over the phone. The service can be reached by dialing 1-800-242-8478 globally via WhatsApp.
This new feature is made possible through OpenAI’s Realtime API and is designed as a simplified version of its web-based counterpart, making it an accessible way for users to experience ChatGPT without incurring costs.
Existing users seeking more comprehensive features can continue using their regular ChatGPT accounts. The company has also emphasized that these calls will not be used to train large language models.
Interestingly, OpenAI’s move is reminiscent of Google’s 2007 tool, GOOG-411, which offered free directory assistance by voice before being discontinued in 2010 due to achieving its goal of collecting sufficient speech samples for speech recognition technology.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/18/24324376/openai-shipmas-1-800-chatgpt-whatsapp