ChatGPT-vs.

OpenAI Expands Accessibility: ChatGPT Now Available on WhatsApp

 

As a forerunner of AI, OpenAI has taken the strategic decision to enlarge its user base by launching ChatGPT on WhatsApp via an experimental service called 1-800 ChatGPT. This new approach means users can begin interacting with the chatbot right on one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms. This gives a place for a more open way entry of AI-powered assistance, available in select countries. 

 

How ChatGPT Works on WhatsApp

 

The integration is straightforward: For customers and users in the US and Canada, can call on 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478) to reach AI through voice. On the other hand, users in the supported countries can use the same number to initiate text messages. Taking a deeper look at the operation of ChatGPT, OpenAI pointed out that the bot will not start conversations by itself and give the users a chance to kick-start a conversation with the bot.

OpenAI has also put in place a set limit on usage to control system load. The service also has free usage issues for phone calls every month where they allow up to 15 minutes and also has daily limits for sending messages on WhatsApp. OpenAI ensures transparency by notifying users as they approach or exceed their limits, stating, “We provide a notice as you approach the limit and inform you when the limit has been reached.”

 

Only Basic Services at Start-Up

 

While the service brings Artificial Intelligence to a more easy-to-access platform it has limited capabilities as compared to ChatGPT. The chatbot on WhatsApp does not support downloading any content on ChatGPT, which is the biggest limitation of this service, besides the limitations of basic text chats. Moreover, users can’t add ChatGPT to group chats to prevent distracting it from other conversations.

Also, the information on which the chatbot operates within WhatsApp is limited up to October 2023. This limitation prevents it from covering events newer than 2021, or updates, which is an inherent limitation that OpenAI has also noted.

 

Competition with Meta AI on WhatsApp

 

This launch paves the way for ChatGPT as a rival of Meta AI that is already functioning on WhatsApp. Instead, OpenAI provides an alternative AI assistance that uses its large user base. Meta AI offers both multimedia and group options, but ChatGPT is still under its hood, only offering text input and output, making its way into the niche market of text-based, efficient interaction.

 

Potential for Expansion

 

While the current rollout has its limitations, OpenAI’s latest integration of ChatGPT in WhatsApp is a step towards integrating AI’s presence in the everyday lives of users. In its subsequent versions, ChatGPT can emerge as an information utility on messaging apps to dramatically redesign human-AI interactions.