OpenAI adds new features to WhatsApp ChatGPT, including voice messages and image input
Last year, ChatGPT made its debut on the popular messaging app WhatsApp, accessible by dialing 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478). The service has now been updated with features similar to the official website or app version of the chatbot.
New Features
One significant addition is the ability for the WhatsApp version of ChatGPT to receive image inputs along with text messages. Users can now send images by taking a photo with their phone’s camera or selecting one from the gallery. ChatGPT will then analyze the image and respond with a text-based answer.
Moreover, users can now send voice messages to ChatGPT on WhatsApp. The chatbot will process the spoken message and provide a text-based response in the chat. This feature is convenient for users on-the-go who may prefer speaking over typing.
Account Linking
Starting from January 5, OpenAI introduced account linking for ChatGPT users on WhatsApp. Plus, Free, and Pro subscription holders can now link their ChatGPT accounts to WhatsApp. Paid subscribers gain access to higher usage limits and potentially more advanced models based on their subscription tier. Free-tier users also benefit from advanced reasoning models recently made available to them.
Moreover, users can now send voice messages to ChatGPT on WhatsApp. The chatbot will process the spoken message and provide a text-based response in the chat. This feature is convenient for users on-the-go who may prefer speaking over typing.
Competition and Availability
Although OpenAI's ChatGPT is a prominent AI assistant on WhatsApp, Meta's AI chatbot and other AI chatbot makers like Microsoft's Copilot are also available on the platform. The recent updates to ChatGPT are accessible to all users, including those in India, a significant user base for WhatsApp.
OpenAI aims to enhance inclusivity with these updates, expanding ChatGPT's accessibility to users worldwide, particularly in countries like India. As new competition emerges from China with the introduction of "DeepSeek," a purported low-cost alternative to US-based AI models, OpenAI continues to innovate and improve its AI capabilities across different platforms.
