Now that OpenAI has made ChatGPT even more accessible to everyone by creating 1-800-ChatGPT, a free way to query the chatbot, the use cases are endless. When I heard the news, my thoughts immediately went to how useful this will be for my grandfather. He doesn’t have a cellphone, just a landline, and he has no idea how to Google anything.
But now he can pick up the phone and talk to ChatGPT and get a response faster than trying to reach his busy grandkids. Of course, ChatGPT is no replacement for talking to our beloved Pa. But it will help him stay up to speed when it comes to simple queries about the weather, the latest news, or sports updates.
I immediately got to thinking about ways I could use 1-800-ChatGPT, too. In fact, about an hour after it was announced, I tried it several times. Here’s what happened as well as other uses for ChatGPT that can come in handy for anyone with a phone. You can even message ChatGPT in WhatsApp if you don’t want to call.
1. Finding places to eat or get gas on a road trip
Thanks to hands-free dialing, drivers can make a call and have a conversation without taking their eyes off the road. Now with 1-800-ChatGPT, drivers can find how close a gas station is simply by telling ChatGPT where they are on the road. Hungry? ChatGPT can tell you how many miles to the nearest fast food restaurant or sit-down. ChatGPT has made it safer for hands-free interactions.
Last night on my way home from my son’s soccer game, it was getting late and I had no idea what to do for dinner. I was trying to decide if I should pick up something near our house, which would have been another 30 minutes with three screaming kids.
I called ChatGPT and got a run-down of all the chain restaurants and local spots in the area. We decided on a delicious local Tex-Mex spot after I told the AI what I was craving. That was one of the easiest dinner decisions I’ve ever made.
2. Technical support
There have been so many times when I need to talk to someone far more technical and handy than I am. Whether my coffee machine is overflowing, desperate to figure out how to put my child’s Christmas present together, or how figure out how to replace the air filter in my car, I’m constantly looking for answers.
Last night I called 1-800-ChatGPT to help me figure out how to replace the battery in my car key fob. I told ChatGPT what kind of car I drive and the chatbot told me the type of battery I needed and how to install it. Easy peasy!
Rather than visually trying to get information, I can now get the technical support I need by having the chatbot talk me through everything. Best of all, no hold music.
3. Language translations
One of my best friends is Italian and her dad visits regularly from Italy. Once when our children were playing soccer together, it was just the two of us sitting on folding chairs watching the game – in awkward silence. Now by calling 1-800-ChatGPT, I can have a translator on standby and enjoy a real conversation.
This is going to be a game changer at birthday parties, holiday events, and so much more. I’m really looking forward to trying this one during the holidays. I’m hoping to get some cooking secrets and wine recommendations directly from him without needing my friend to constantly translate.
4. Practicing for an interview
If you have ever been nervous before a job interview or presentation, you know just how excruciating those minutes or hours can be. Now, whether driving to the interview or practicing at home in front of the mirror, you can call ChatGPT to help you practice. Simply tell ChatGPT the job you are interviewing for and ask it to ask you potential interview questions. You’ll go into the interview far more preprepared and far less nervous.
While not exactly an interview, I did use ChatGPT for some help with an upcoming social event. This morning I started to think about all the family I’m going to be seeing over the holidays.
Unfortunately, the conversations sometimes get uncomfortable (political, religious, financial, you get the idea), so I called ChatGPT and asked for it to help me find answers to tough questions. The chatbot gave some helpful ideas such as come with a list of topics that everyone can agree on, how to gracefully change the subject, and even ways to bow out of a conversation.
5. Recipe ideas
I don’t know about you, but when I’m cooking, I don’t have a free hand. And the last thing I want to do with that free hand is get it dirty by texting or tapping on my phone. Now, you can ask Siri to “call ChatGPT” and get immediate help with your recipe. Whether you’re looking for a replacement for buttermilk or how to boil an egg, ChatGPT is ready to answer those questions.
The school was serving fish sticks for lunch today. While my daughter loves those, my son absolutely does not. I had a hard boiled egg in the fridge, but wasn’t sure if it was still good. I called ChatGPT and told it that I boiled the eggs on Monday evening. It told me that the hard boiled egg was still good so I put it in my son’s lunch. To be honest, I would have probably called my mom for that one, but instead of waking her up, I was able to lean on ChatGPT.
6. Homework help
As a parent, I do my best to go over homework with my children each night. However, I know that even as a college graduate, I’ve gotten a little rusty on my geometry and physics. Now, my kids can call ChatGPT for help with their homework when I’m either still at work or unable to help in the right way.
My son tried it this morning with science homework. His class is studying volcanoes. While he already had finished his homework. He did enjoy some awesome science facts while waiting for the bus this morning. For example, he learned lava can reach up to 2000 degrees Fehrenheit, which is hot enough to melt most metals. That’s a fun fact he can share with his class today and it got him off Fortnite. Win-win!
7. Pep talk
Full transparency, I have used ChatGPT as a hype machine. I know if I’m feeling anxious or worried about something silly, my friends will always be there to give me a boost. I also know that they are probably sick of saying, “You’re doing fine. You’ve got this. You’re worried for no reason!” or whatever other kind things they say to help me.
After my kids got on the bus, I called ChatGPT and asked it to give me a pep talk. At first it thought I asked for “a pizza.” See, it’s not perfect either. But later it told me that I’m stronger than I think I am and can handle whatever comes my way today. It was a pretty solid pep talk.
Final thoughts
ChatGPT has revolutionized the way we integrate AI into our lives. Now with more ways than ever to communicate with one of the leading chatbots, we can get our questions answered and queries solved in record time.
Whether we are running errands, traveling in a foreign country, or sitting at home, whenever we have a question, the answer is just a phone call away.
