FILE

Millions of Viber users can now access ChatGPT directly from the messaging app following a new partnership between Rakuten Viber and OpenAI, bringing artificial intelligence tools to one of the country's most widely used communication platforms.

The feature officially rolled out on Tuesday, allowing users to interact with ChatGPT without leaving the Viber app. The service is currently available on the latest versions of Viber for iOS and Android devices, while desktop support is expected to be introduced at a later date. Users do not need an existing ChatGPT account to use the feature, although linking an account unlocks additional capabilities such as Image Remix and personalized functions.

Aside from one-on-one conversations, users can mention **@ChatGPT** in private and group chats to get answers, suggestions, summaries, and assistance with various tasks. A dedicated ChatGPT tab has also been added to the app to make the AI assistant easier to access.

According to OpenAI's support documentation, ChatGPT-powered features on Viber may include message translation, AI-generated summaries, writing assistance, and image remixing, although availability depends on a user's region, account, app version, and the type of chat being used.

The integration marks another step in Viber's push into artificial intelligence. Earlier this year, the platform expanded its AI efforts by introducing a number of AI assistants in selected markets as part of parent company Rakuten Group's broader strategy to incorporate AI into its services.

Viber remains one of the most popular messaging applications in the Philippines, where it is widely used for personal communication as well as by businesses, schools, and government offices. The addition of ChatGPT is expected to strengthen the platform's appeal as competition among messaging apps increasingly shifts toward AI-powered features.

The launch comes as technology companies race to embed generative AI into everyday services, offering users new ways to communicate, search for information, and create content.

Online reactions have been mixed. While many users welcomed the convenience of having ChatGPT built into Viber, discussions on social media and internet forums showed that some users would prefer having the option to hide or disable the feature entirely.

With the integration, Viber joins a growing number of digital platforms embedding OpenAI technology directly into their services, bringing artificial intelligence closer to users' daily conversations and expanding ChatGPT's reach worldwide.