OpenAI announced on day 10 of its “12 Days of OpenAI” event the launch of a dedicated phone number (1-800-ChatGPT) for US users to access ChatGPT via Advanced Voice Mode (AVM). This expands access to the AI chatbot beyond its current web, desktop, and mobile platforms.
During the live stream announcement, OpenAI’s Chief Product Officer, Kevin Weil, emphasized the company’s mission to make artificial general intelligence beneficial to all of humanity. Providing phone access represents a significant step towards broader accessibility, enabling individuals without internet access or compatible devices to utilize ChatGPT.
A live demo showcased the functionality. The OpenAI team called the number and asked about a unique architectural structure along California’s 280 freeway. ChatGPT correctly identified the building as the “Flintstones House” and accurately answered subsequent questions.
Currently, the phone service is available to users within the United States. An OpenAI account is not required, but calls are limited to 15 minutes. Functionality mirrors the AVM experience on mobile devices, allowing users to request information, translations, jokes, and other tasks.
This move builds upon OpenAI’s ongoing efforts to expand ChatGPT’s reach. Initially accessible only through its website, the chatbot is now available as a desktop application for both Apple and Windows, along with dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices.
The “12 Days of OpenAI” event has unveiled a range of new offerings, including the o1 reasoning model, the Sora video generator, updates to Projects and Canvas features, a $200 monthly Pro subscription, and new developer tools. The addition of phone access underscores OpenAI’s commitment to democratizing AI technology.
