I called ChatGPT’s new phone number – it’s free to dial and feels like chatting to a human but there’s a big downside

I JUST picked up the phone and called ChatGPT.

No, not the company, but the chatbot itself – in a bizarre blend of old and new technologies.

The AI-powered chatbot has been available in text form for ages – and even as a voice bot inside the app – but it’s now at the end of a phone line.

It’s part of what OpenAI calls an “experimental new launch” that gives ChatGPT a regular old phone number.

Just dial 1-800-ChatGPT (or 1-800-242-8478) in the United States and you’ll be put right through to an artificial intelligence with a strikingly human voice. No luck for Brits yet, sorry.

It feels a little bit like one of those automated call systems has come to life.

But very quickly, it seems as though you’re chatting with a real person. The main giveaway is that they’re way too upbeat for someone fielding inane questions all day, but it’s otherwise convincing.

The call begins with a warning that your conversation might be reviewed for safety.

So don’t go spilling your secrets on the phone call because someone at OpenAI HQ might hear all about it.

I started by asking ChatGPT how it felt about being a phone number.

“It’s quite the adventure. Switching from text to voice lets me connect in a whole new way,” ChatGPT told me over the phone.

It added that it “makes our conversation feel more personal”.

The phone-bot isn’t wrong, so I ask what people are using the phone number for – and what the big advantage is versus just texting.

“People ask me all sorts of things over the phone,” ChatGPT said.

“It ranges from tech support and setting reminders, to answering trivia questions or having a chat.”

The female voice told me that “some folks even practice languages”, and then boasted that she can speak French, Chinese, Finnish, and even Swahili.

“Being a phone number makes me more accessible,” said ChatGPT.

“Especially for folks that find it more convenient to talk rather than type.

“Some people prefer a good old-fashioned chat.”

This suddenly makes me feel like I’m taking our phone chat way too seriously.

I try to lighten things up by asking for a joke, to which ChatGPT replies: “Why don’t skeletons fight each other? They don’t have the guts.”

It won’t win any comedy awards, but it’s a good chuckle – and a reminder that ChatGPT isn’t just for delivering info, but providing a bit of a human connection too.

I’ll be honest, I don’t have a huge desire to spend ages on the phone.

But there are plenty of people out there who would clearly find it easier to grapple with dialling a number and nattering away – versus downloading an app and typing in commands.

It doesn’t require much stretching of the imagination to see how this could also give a bit of respite from loneliness for people who don’t have a great support network.

The big downside is that your conversations are time-limited.

You’ll only be able to chat for 15 minutes for free, resetting for each phone number on a monthly basis.

So if you’re hoping to hear (or tell) a grand old story, maybe re-consider.

Better to ask for help planning a holiday, practicing for some job interview questions, or trying your hand at learning a bit of Spanish.