OpenAI has just introduced an advanced voice mode for audio chats with ChatGPT
ChatGPT is now set for more natural audio conversations. OpenAI announced on Tuesday that its popular chatbot has launched an advanced voice feature for premium subscribers, enabling smoother and more fluid interactions.
The rollout will continue throughout the week, although it is currently unavailable in EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or the U.K.
This new capability was first revealed in May, garnering attention due to a voice called Sky that closely resembled Scarlett Johansson’s character from the 2013 film “Her.” Following legal concerns regarding the voice’s similarity, OpenAI paused its use in products, as reported by CNBC.
Since then, users have been able to choose different voices for ChatGPT through a free tier. The advanced mode offers quicker responses and can listen when interrupted. There are now nine voices to choose from, and you can customize your voice chat settings in the app.
“Hope you think it was worth the wait,” said Sam Altman, OpenAI’s co-founder and CEO, in a post on X.
The market is becoming increasingly competitive, with Google recently launching its own Gemini Live voice feature for Android devices and Meta planning to introduce celebrity voices for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp later this week.
OpenAI initially gained a strong foothold in the generative AI chatbot market with ChatGPT’s launch in late 2022. As of August, the company reported over 200 million weekly active users.
The advanced voice feature is available only to subscribers of OpenAI’s Plus, Team, or Enterprise plans, starting at $20 per month for the Plus tier.
Getting Started
If you’re a subscriber, here’s how to get started, assuming your device has access:
- Ensure you have the latest version of the app installed.
- Open the ChatGPT app.
- You’ll receive a notification in the app once the feature is activated. Click the continue button to proceed.
- Create a new chat by swiping right or tapping the two-line icon in the top left corner and selecting ChatGPT. Look for the sound wave icon to the right of the message field and microphone icon—tap that and make sure your sound is enabled.
- After a brief sound cue, the interface will change to a dynamic blue and white animation. Start speaking, and you should receive a prompt response.
OpenAI has also enhanced accent recognition for some languages and improved conversation speed. If you’d like ChatGPT to adjust its speaking style, you can request changes like a faster pace or a different accent.
With the advanced voice mode, ChatGPT can help with various tasks, from telling bedtime stories to preparing for job interviews or practicing foreign languages.
However, even with a subscription, access to advanced voice mode isn’t unlimited. After about half an hour of use, I noticed a “15 minutes left” message on the screen. OpenAI has yet to provide clarification on any time limits.
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