Home Huge AI upgrade for billions of WhatsApp users – what’s new

Huge AI upgrade for billions of WhatsApp users – what’s new

WhatsApp users around the globe can interact with artificial intelligence (AI) like never before thanks to a major new upgrade.

Last year, it was announced ChatGPT had made its debut on the messaging app – allowing all 2.96 billion users to text the bot via the number 1-800-242-8478 and have a back-and-forth conversation.

Antonia Woodford at OpenAI, which developed ChatGPT, said the partnership helped “reduce barriers” for people wanting to explore what AI “can do for them”. She added: “We’re really excited that we’re bringing ChatGPT to you through two familiar channels: calling and WhatsApp.”

15-minutes of phone calling per month was available for users in the US, but this wasn’t extended to Europe or elsewhere. However, it has now been widely reported that WhatsApp is allowing voice and image inputs when querying the chatbot – no matter where in the world you are.

This means you can voice note or send a picture (from your gallery or straight from the camera) which will be analysed by the bot. A reply in text form will be sent almost instantly after, similar to ChatGPT’s own website and dedicated app.

WhatsApp printscreen
ChatGPT can now respond to voice notes and images

To test it out, ReadWrite sent a voice note to ChatGPT’s WhatsApp asking how it was doing. An automated message outlining Open AI’s privacy terms and conditions popped up. “Conversations may be reviewed for safety. ChatGPT can make mistakes, please check important information.”

Then, it replied to the voice note with: “Hey there! I’m doing great, thanks for asking. How about you?”

While the service appears to be free of charge, PA reports that OpenAI has expanded its subscriber payment options in recent months, including the launch of a $200-a-month subscription that gives users access to the “very latest AI models it has developed.”

“In addition, the AI firm said it was also starting to roll out the ability for existing ChatGPT subscribers – including those on its free tier – to link their account to WhatsApp to get additional usage on the messaging platform,” the publication added.

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech, gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, AI breakthroughs, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Liam Gilliver
Editor

Liam Gilliver is an NCTJ-trained journalist and editor with more than six years of experience in the field. He has worked across several of the biggest newspapers in the country, including the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, Daily Star and OK! Magazine - and was the former Senior Newsletter Lead for Reach PLC’s national titles. He has appeared on BBC Radio, featured on a panel with IMPRESS about the future of journalism, and judged third-year students’ final news project at the University of Sheffield (his old stomping ground). He has bylines in the I Newspaper, Huffington Post, The Independent, and Euro…

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