OpenAI has unveiled an advanced voice feature for its popular ChatGPT chatbot, enhancing the user experience for those subscribed to the premium service. Announced on Tuesday, this new capability allows for more fluid and natural conversations, marking a significant upgrade in the chatbot’s functionality. The rollout of this feature will continue throughout the week, although it is currently unavailable in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom.
The announcement follows a previous introduction of a voice resembling that of actress Scarlett Johansson in the 2013 film “Her.” After legal concerns were raised regarding the use of this voice, OpenAI paused its implementation in the product. In recent months, users could configure ChatGPT to speak in various voices through a free tier, but the advanced version responds more quickly and can adapt to interruptions, enhancing the conversational flow.
This new voice feature offers users a choice of nine different voices, with customization options available in the app’s settings. Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, expressed optimism about the new release, stating in an X post, “Hope you think it was worth the wait.”
The competitive landscape for AI voice features is intensifying, as other tech giants like Google and Meta are also rolling out similar functionalities. Google has recently introduced its Gemini Live voice feature for Android devices, while Meta is set to launch celebrity voices across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
To access the advanced voice mode, users must have a subscription to one of OpenAI’s plans: Plus, Team, or Enterprise, with the most affordable option starting at $20 per month. Those interested in trying out the new feature can follow simple steps to get started, provided they have the latest version of the ChatGPT app installed on their devices. Once access is enabled, users will receive a notification prompting them to activate the new feature.
After initiating a new chat, users can engage the voice feature by tapping the sound wave icon next to the message text field. This will trigger a response from ChatGPT, allowing for interactive voice conversations. OpenAI has also made improvements to accents in various languages, enhancing the overall user experience. However, users should be aware that even with a subscription, there may be a time limit for accessing the advanced voice mode, with notifications appearing after approximately 30 minutes of usage.
As ChatGPT continues to evolve, these enhancements position OpenAI to maintain its lead in the generative AI chatbot market, which has seen over 200 million weekly active users since its launch in late 2022.
