OpenAI Launches Free ChatGPT Service on WhatsApp & New macOS App for Desktop
OpenAI has unveiled two significant developments as part of their “12 Days of OpenAI” Shipmas initiative.
On Day 10, they introduced ChatGPT integration with WhatsApp, expanding their AI assistant’s reach to one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms.
Following this, their Day 11 announcement on December 19 revealed a Work with apps: A macOS desktop application aims to provide users with direct access to OpenAI’s services through a dedicated desktop interface, enhancing workflow efficiency and accessibility.
Key Features of ChatGPT Whatsapp service:
Users can connect with ChatGPT by adding 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478) as a WhatsApp contact.
The service runs on the GPT-4o-mini model, which is the same model powering the free version of ChatGPT.
ChatGPT is limited to text-only interactions, without Advanced Voice Mode or visual input capabilities.
The feature caters especially to individuals with limited access to high-speed internet, enabling low-data interaction with the AI.
Separately, OpenAI is launching a ChatGPT hotline in the US.
OpenAI will offer 15 minutes of free ChatGPT usage through the hotline, though you can log into your account to get more time.
OpenAI highlighted practical use cases for ChatGPT on WhatsApp, such as brainstorming creative writing ideas, planning travel, or even offering recipe suggestions.
Background
OpenAI plans to kick off a “shipmas” period of new features, products, and demos for 12 days, starting on December 5th.
Day 1: ChatGPT Pro: a $200 monthly plan that enables scaled access to the best of OpenAI’s models and tools.
Day 2: OpenAI’s Reinforcement Fine-Tuning Research Program: This approach helps AI models learn how to solve problems correctly in complex areas like law, finance, engineering, and healthcare, where expert knowledge is essential.
Day 3: Sora Turbo: A model that can create realistic videos from text and faster than the previous model Sora.
Day4: Canvas: A new interface for working with ChatGPT on writing and coding projects that go beyond simple chat.
Day 5: ChatGPT in Apple Intelligence: The integration of ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence.
Day 6: Advanced voice with video & Santa mode: An advanced Voice Mode with Vision, real-time video, screen-sharing capabilities, and the whimsical Santa Mode.
Day7: Projects in ChatGPT: It’s a feature in ChatGPT is essentially a folder system designed to help users organize their chats into distinct categories such as Work, Home, or Hobbies.
Day8: Search: ChatGPT can now search the web in a much better way than before.
Day 9: OpenAI o1 in the API, Realtime API updates, Preference Fine-Tuning, New Go and Java SDKs: New tools for customization, and upgrades for improve performance.
News Gist
OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT on WhatsApp as part of their “12 Days of OpenAI” Shipmas initiative.
Users worldwide can access the AI chatbot for free by adding 1-800-CHATGPT as a contact.
The text-only service runs on GPT-4o-mini model and is designed for low-data usage, making it accessible for users with limited internet connectivity.