You can now call ChatGPT: what is next? Fax? Letters?

So, AI systems seem to be almost everywhere already or are in the process of being integrated into pretty much any device or product.

OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, has now announced that you may call ChatGPT to have a chat with the AI.

Call 1-800-ChatGPT, or 1-800-242-8478, to do so. You should note that you can only do so with a US or Canada number. If you live outside those two countries, you may be able to message the number via WhatsApp to at least have a chat on Meta’s messenger instead.

OpenAI has limited both options. Calls are limited to 15 minutes per month, presumably per phone number, and there is also a daily limit on WhatsApp, but that is not mentioned in the announcement.

Another restriction is that the cutoff-date is October 2023. This means that this particular version of ChatGPT does not know anything about events that happened after October 2023.

Privacy-conscious users should be aware that OpenAI stores conversations and messages, and that it may also review them. OpenAI says this is for a limited time only and only for “safety and abuse prevention purposes”. It is also only available for ages 13 and up, but it is unclear how OpenAI wants to make sure that the age limit is enforced.

Fax or Letters next?

With telephone conquered, Fax would be the next logical step for OpenAI to offer its services on. It might not be the most elegant solution, considering that it might take a while to get replies, but it would make for a great headline and do wonders for publicity.

Letters might also be an option. While it would take some serious time to get an answer or do a back and forth with the AI, it could be a great option for digital-detoxing.

Have you chatted with ChatGPT or another AI in recent time? What is your take on these systems? Useful addition or more off a plaything will little value? Feel free to leave a comment down below.