During the 10th day of OpenAI's "12 Days of OpenAI" media event, a significant announcement was made. The company established an 800 number, 1-800-ChatGPT, enabling US residents with a phone line to connect and engage with the AI through Advanced Voice Mode. As Kevin Weil, the chief product officer, stated during the Wednesday live stream, "The goal of OpenAI is to make artificial general intelligence beneficial to all of humanity, and making it accessible to as many people as possible is part of that." This step further brings ChatGPT to the fingertips of users.

Unlock the Power of ChatGPT on Your Phone

Expanding Reach through Multiple Platforms

Originally, ChatGPT was only accessible through the website. However, OpenAI has been steadily expanding its reach. Now, it is available as a desktop app for both Apple and Windows, as well as on iOS and Android mobile devices. This allows users to interact with the AI wherever they are. The addition of the phone access via the 800 number is another milestone in making ChatGPT more accessible.

Users don't need an OpenAI account to use the phone access, which is a convenient feature. Although limited to 15 minutes of chatting, it provides a quick and easy way to get information or have a quick conversation. The functionality is similar to using AVM on mobile devices, offering a wide range of potential tasks such as seeking information, getting translations, or hearing a joke.

For example, in a live demo, the developer team called up the chatbot to ask about an architectural marvel along the 280 freeway in Hillsborough, California. The AI accurately identified it as the "Flintstones House" and answered follow-up questions. This shows the practical application and accuracy of the service.

New Models and Features during the 12 Days Event

With the 12 Days event nearing its end, OpenAI has released a plethora of new models, products, and features. The o1 reasoning model, the Sora video generator, and Projects for ChatGPT are among the notable additions. Updates to the Canvas feature and a new $200/month Pro subscription tier have also been introduced. These developments offer more options and capabilities for both users and developers.

The continuous innovation by OpenAI demonstrates their commitment to advancing artificial general intelligence. It allows users to explore and utilize different aspects of the technology, opening up new possibilities and applications.

There is no word yet on when the AI will be made available through Morse code or semaphore, but the progress made so far is impressive. OpenAI is constantly pushing the boundaries and making significant strides in making AI more accessible and useful.