OpenAI rounded out day six of the 12 Days of OpenAI with some seasonal magic in ChatGPT’s new Santa Mode. After showing off ChatGPT’s new ability to see the world around you in real-time through your smartphone’s video camera, OpenAI CPO Kevin Weil and his fellow presenters shared the news of their jolly AI elf or rather a voice for ChatGPT that mimics a version of Santa’s voice along the lines of most Hollywood depictions of Saint Nick for the last century.
The addition to OpenAI’s Advanced Voice Mode is described as “merry and bright,” which seems about right. It’s not quite a phone call with Santa, but OpenAI clearly wants to bring a little North Pole magic to the AI chatbot.
Better yet, Santa Mode is available to everyone using ChatGPT on mobile, web, or desktop apps for MacOS and Windows.
SantaGPT
@techradar
♬ Holiday Season – Iustin Galea
To start Santa Mode, just look for the snowflake icon next to the ChatGPT prompt bar, give it a tap, and virtual Santa’s voice will be there to make the season a little brighter without needing to untangle long strings of lights first.
Combined with the new video-sharing feature, you could show off your Christmas sweater, ask for help with holiday baking, or even puzzle out your kid’s messily handwritten wish list.
Santa Mode doesn’t change what ChatGPT can do, but there’s something nice about pointing your phone at your messy gingerbread house and hearing Santa’s voice telling you tips on stopping it from collapsing. You might enjoy hearing him compliment your choice of Christmas Tree ornaments or perhaps spot your pet getting tangled up in the decor before it’s trapped.
AI with good-natured holiday cheer is a solid selling point, even if only at this time of year.