Explained: Why can't ChatGPT tell the correct time? Learn about this major AI limitation...

AI chatbots today have become incredibly advanced. They can perform tasks like coding, web browsing, data analysis, and image generation in seconds. But surprisingly, Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Claude still fail to perform one simple task: telling the time.

When a user asks ChatGPT for the correct time, it clearly states that it "does not have access to a real-time clock." This means it cannot see the time on your phone or computer. Therefore, ChatGPT advises users to check the time displayed on their device.

Why can't ChatGPT display the time?
AI experts suggest that this limitation is actually related to the structure of these models. According to AI robotics expert Yervant Kulbashian, an LLM processes only information that comes within the context window of a conversation.

The context window is a limited space where the model stores conversation data. If the model were to read the time changing every second, the constantly changing information would fill the window and put too much pressure on the AI ​​model. This could degrade the quality of the main conversation.

But how do Gemini and Grok tell the time?
This limitation doesn't apply to all chatbots. Models like Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and xAI Grok automatically use real-time system data and search functions, so they display the time instantly.

NLP researcher Pasquale Minervini explained that if ChatGPT were granted access to system data through a search feature or a desktop app, it could also display the time. For example, ChatGPT displays the time in the Atlas browser.

OpenAI explains the reason:
OpenAI says that current models don't have built-in time access, so they have to call search to find the time. The company is working on improving this process so that the model can automatically find the time when needed.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.