ChatGPT can make phone calls – in Germany only chat via WhatsApp works
OpenAI turns the dial: In the USA, people can call ChatGPT. There is also a chat contact via WhatsApp.
OpenAI employees present the call function.
(Image: Screenshot aus dem Video von OpenAI.)
OpenAI has been presenting a new feature every evening (German time) for the past ten days. At the series of events called "Shipmas", OpenAI has now introduced a call function. This is initially only available in the USA. In Germany, you can now also chat with ChatGPT via WhatsApp.
Three OpenAI employees present the new telephone function with funny headgear and a dial telephone: 1-800-ChatGPT is emblazoned in white on blue, reminiscent of TV shows from the 90s. Telephone numbers with the 800 area code are free of charge in the USA. This applies to calls of up to 15 minutes – per month. It is not yet possible to call ChatGPT from other countries.
In Germany, however, it will be possible to reach the chatbot via WhatsApp in the future. There you can add it as a contact and then write as you would with other contacts. The corresponding number is the same as the US number: +1 800 2428478. If you write the first message, you will first be told that you are talking to an AI assistant and that it could make mistakes. If you continue, you automatically agree to the terms of use, which include the fact that conversations can be read for security reasons.
Videos by heise
ChatGPT poaches from Meta AI
The chat is exclusively text-based. No images can be generated. Images that are uploaded to the chat cannot be processed either. If you ask ChatGPT about these capabilities, you will be offered help in finding ideas for prompts. OpenAI uses the WhatsApp Business meta service, which can be used to offer other services such as catalogs and shopping options in addition to chat.
ChatGPT was launched more than two years ago as a pure text chatbot. For some time now, it has also been possible to talk to the chatbot, which was previously only possible via the app and the web service.
Meta also offers its chatbot under the name Meta AI via WhatsApp. You can even talk to it in real time and upload photos for image editing. However, Meta AI is still not available in Germany. According to Meta, this is due to legal uncertainties. At the same time, experts also see this as a means of exerting pressure on regulators.
(emw)
