OpenAI has officially launched its new humanlike conversational voice interface for ChatGPT, called “ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode,” to a wider user base in the U.S. This new feature will be available to paying subscribers of OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus and Team plans gradually over the next few days. Additionally, the company will introduce this advanced voice mode to subscribers of its Edu and Enterprise plans next week.
Users will now have the option to interact with ChatGPT through voice commands, allowing for a more natural and humanlike conversation experience. The update includes the introduction of five new voices – Arbor, Maple, Sol, Spruce, and Vale, in addition to the existing voices. OpenAI has also implemented features like custom instructions and memory to personalize the voice assistant’s responses based on user preferences.
This move by OpenAI comes amidst a growing trend in the AI voice assistant space to enhance the conversational experience and make interactions more lifelike. Other companies, such as Hume AI and Kyutai, have also developed their own versions of humanlike voice assistants to cater to user demand for more intuitive AI interactions.
However, OpenAI’s journey into integrating voices into ChatGPT has not been without controversy. The company faced backlash for similarities between one of the voices and that of actress Scarlett Johansson, leading to concerns about mimicking well-known individuals’ voices. Despite these challenges, OpenAI has conducted rigorous safety testing and evaluation before releasing the Advanced Voice Mode to ensure user security and privacy.
The delayed rollout of ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode underscores OpenAI’s commitment to prioritizing safety and thorough testing before introducing new features to a wider audience. By collaborating with external red teamers and conducting extensive evaluations, the company aims to provide a secure and reliable user experience with its advanced voice interface.
Overall, the introduction of ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode marks a significant milestone in OpenAI’s efforts to enhance AI conversational capabilities and deliver more engaging and personalized interactions for users across different platforms. As the AI voice assistant landscape continues to evolve, OpenAI’s innovative approach sets a precedent for creating more humanlike and responsive AI technologies in the future.
