OpenAI is expanding the reach of its AI chatbot. It introduced 1-800-ChatGPT, a service allowing users to interact with ChatGPT in WhatsApp.
By adding the number +1 (800) 242-8478 to their contacts, users across the globe can experience the convenience of AI-powered communication directly on their smartphones – even those with limited internet access!
This move will bring generative AI closer to communities which may not have access to advanced devices or stable broadband connectivity.
How to get ChatGPT in WhatsApp
The service provides two ways to connect with ChatGPT: by phone call (US and Canada only) or by sending WhatsApp messages.
When adding it as a contact, make sure the number you message is legitimate – it’s +1 (800) 242-8478. Or you can just scan the QR code below.
When adding the contact, make sure it displays the verified WhatsApp badge.
For international users (including South Africans), the WhatsApp functionality is a game-changer.
How does ChatGPT in WhatsApp help you?
It offers an entry point into AI interaction without requiring an OpenAI account. Users can scan a QR code or save the number to start a conversation.
they message
Also note: ChatGPT interactions may contain errors and are subject to OpenAI’s terms and privacy policies.
So, what does this mean exactly?
The Good: AI accessibility for everyone
This initiative is being celebrated as a democratising force in AI adoption.
The ability to message ChatGPT via WhatsApp could be amazing for underserved areas where low-data mobile usage is common.
The 1-800-ChatGPT service bridges a massive gap, allowing individuals and small businesses to tap into AI’s capabilities for support, idea generation, and more.
To be clear: THIS IS HUGE.
But it’s not perfect.
The Gaps: ChatGPT in WhatsApp not quite the AI assistant I’m looking for
While the debut of 1-800-ChatGPT on WhatsApp is a milestone, there are some limitations.
For instance, the chatbot cannot yet initiate conversations, join group chats, or provide personalised responses based on stored preferences or instructions.
For users like me – drowning in hundreds of unread WhatsApp messages – this isn’t quite the solution we’re hoping for.
For me, personally, the dream is still an AI assistant who can take charge of my comms entirely. My ADHD brain and I wish it could respond to routine messages, sort through threads, and give me a summary of long chats.
Heck, I even want it to draft replies for me, or at the very least suggest what to say, so I only need to press send if I’m happy with it.
1-800-ChatGPT: Limitations and concerns
The W/App implementation currently supports text-based conversations only. So no image uploads, search capabilities, and file-sharing are supported just yet.
Privacy concerns also remain. OpenAI stores the call and message data temporarily for safety and abuse prevention purposes.
Just remember: All ChatGPT interactions via WhatsApp are subject to both OpenAI’s and WhatsApp’s terms and conditions.
