ChatGPT is getting chattier with 'advanced voice mode' | Money ...
OpenAI stunned users with the unveiling of an updated voice mode for ChatGPT, offering a more advanced and natural conversational experience. Unlike traditional robotic voices of digital assistants like Alexa or Siri, ChatGPT's advanced voice mode is remarkably lifelike, allowing for real-time interactions, the ability to adapt to interruptions, and even displaying emotional responses such as giggling in response to jokes.
Rollout of Advanced Voice Mode
Starting this week, advanced voice mode, compatible with the powerful ChatGPT-4o, will be gradually introduced to paid users. Initially, a select group of subscribers to the app's "Plus" mode will have access, with plans to make it available to all Plus users by the fall. This new feature represents a significant milestone for OpenAI, positioning ChatGPT as a more personalized virtual assistant that users can engage with through natural, spoken conversations.
While ChatGPT already offered a less sophisticated voice mode, the introduction of this advanced version signals a shift in AI technology, potentially challenging established virtual assistant players like Apple and Amazon.
Challenges and Considerations
However, the deployment of an advanced voice mode raises crucial questions regarding user interaction. Will the tool effectively interpret diverse speech patterns, including those with speech differences? Moreover, users may face the temptation to blindly trust a human-sounding AI assistant, even when it makes mistakes.
OpenAI, in its preparations for the rollout, conducted extensive testing to ensure the safety and reliability of the tool. Among the implemented safety measures, voice mode will be limited to four predetermined voices, developed in collaboration with voice actors to prevent impersonation. Additionally, certain requests, such as generating music or copyrighted audio, will be restricted.
Enhanced Safety Measures
OpenAI emphasized the enhanced safety protocols, ensuring that voice mode upholds the same safeguards as ChatGPT's text mode, preventing the generation of harmful or illegal content. Notably, the tool will no longer feature a voice akin to Scarlett Johansson, following concerns raised by the actor. OpenAI paused the use of the voice out of respect, affirming that the voice creation process involved a different actor.
Continued Innovation
The introduction of ChatGPT's advanced voice mode coincides with OpenAI's recent endeavors in consumer-facing AI tools. The company announced testing of an AI-powered search engine, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its AI product offerings. This development poses a potential challenge to Google's dominance in online search, marking OpenAI as a notable competitor in the AI landscape.
