ChatGPT in WhatsApp just got an update that'll make you actually want to text it

ChatGPT was originally available only on browsers, but since then, OpenAI has expanded access to mobile and desktop apps. In December, OpenAI took it a step further by adding a toll-free 1-800-CHATGPT number, where users can access the chatbot with a quick dial and even text it on WhatsApp. The experience has just received an upgrade.  

New ChatGPT experience in WhatsApp 

On Monday, OpenAI announced that users could now upload images in the WhatsApp chat, just like they would when using the chatbot on the browser or app. This feature is helpful for multimodal assistance, where referencing a photo adds useful context that better informs ChatGPT’s response.

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For example, if you want to know the name of a plant or vegetable, you can simply upload the image and ask ChatGPT directly in WhatsApp. More elaborate tasks of that nature include taking a photo of a sign to ask for a translation or showing it fridge ingredients and asking for a recipe.

To enhance ChatGPT’s multimodal assistance in WhatsApp even further, users can now send it audio messages in the chat and receive text responses, just like the regular Voice Mode experience available in ChatGPT.

How to get started

The ChatGPT in WhatsApp experience is free, and to get started, all you have to do is download the app and message ChatGPT as you would any other contact. You can also scan the QR code below, which will walk you through the sign-up process.

Typically, when accessing ChatGPT through WhatsApp, users were subject to the messaging limits of non-logged-in, free accounts, which included a limit of 15-minute ChatGPT calls per month. However, starting today, OpenAI is rolling out the ability for users to link their ChatGPT Plus, Free, or Pro accounts on WhatsApp, resulting in expanded access for all users within the app.

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Some advantages of using WhatsApp to access ChatGPT instead of other methods include not having to download an additional app or switch contexts from the platform you use to text your family and friends to message ChatGPT.