OpenAI has introduced its new voice assistant feature, Advanced Voice Mode (AVM), to ChatGPT Plus subscribers this week. This feature has been highly anticipated, but some users find it a bit creepy in action. A video shared by the company shows AVM helping a user craft an apology to their grandmother for being late, and even translating it into Mandarin on the spot. According to OpenAI, AVM can offer apologies in over 50 different languages.
The AVM feature was first revealed in May and caused a stir due to its voice similarity to Scarlett Johansson. The actor had previously warned the company not to use her voice, leading to a potential legal dispute. Despite this, the AVM voice still retains a hint of Johansson’s tone. While the feature was officially launched in July, it was initially only available to a select group of ChatGPT Plus subscribers. Now, it is being rolled out to all Plus and Team users this week, with Enterprise and Edu users receiving it next week.
In addition to the new voices introduced with AVM – Arbor, Maple, Sol, Spruce, and Vale – users can customize the way their voice assistant speaks through Custom Instructions in the Settings menu. This allows for adjustments in speaking speed, clarity, and even the option to have the model address the user by name or act as an interviewer for practice sessions. OpenAI has also made improvements to AVM’s conversational speed, smoothness, and accents, enabling it to adapt to different tones in conversations.
For those interested in engaging in real conversations with ChatGPT, a Plus subscription starting at $20 a month is required. The company continues to innovate and improve its AI features, offering users a unique and customizable voice assistant experience. As AVM becomes more widely available, users can explore the various voices and customization options to enhance their interactions with ChatGPT.
