OpenAI Releases New Voice-Enabled ChatGPT Bot That You Can Talk To

OpenAI has just announced the release of its innovative voice-enabled ChatGPT bot, marking a significant advancement in AI-powered voice assistants. Unlike traditional voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, this new chatbot promises to deliver more natural and fluent conversations. OpenAI’s latest development aims to bring us closer to fully capable AI agents, capable of understanding different tones of voice, responding to interruptions, and providing real-time answers to queries. The bot’s ability to convey a wide range of emotions through its voice sets it apart from existing technologies.

Powered by the Advanced GPT-4o Model

At the heart of this new voice feature is OpenAI’s GPT-4o model, which seamlessly integrates voice, text, and vision capabilities. Initially, the voice-enabled ChatGPT will be available to a select group of ChatGPT Plus subscribers, with a broader rollout planned for this fall. The ChatGPT Plus subscription is priced at $20 per month. OpenAI will notify eligible users via the ChatGPT app, providing detailed instructions on how to access and use the new voice functionality.

Enhanced Safety Features and Extensive Testing

OpenAI’s voice feature launch, originally scheduled for May, was delayed to refine safety features and ensure robust infrastructure support for real-time responses. The company has implemented several safety mechanisms to prevent misuse, such as the creation of audio deepfakes. The GPT-4o model includes four preset voices developed in collaboration with voice actors and is designed not to impersonate or generate other people’s voices.

Extensive testing involved over 100 external red-teamers from 29 countries, speaking 45 different languages, to identify and address potential flaws. This thorough testing underscores OpenAI’s commitment to safety and quality in deploying its advanced AI technologies.

Addressing Controversies and Legal Challenges

The launch of GPT-4o hasn’t been without controversy. When OpenAI first showcased the model, it faced backlash for a voice called “Sky,” which bore a striking resemblance to actress Scarlett Johansson. Despite OpenAI’s denial of using Johansson’s voice, the company has paused the use of Sky following her public objection.

OpenAI is also navigating legal challenges related to alleged copyright infringement. To mitigate these issues, the company has incorporated filters to block requests for generating copyrighted audio content. The same safety protocols applied in their text-based models are in place to ensure compliance with legal standards and to prevent the generation of harmful content.

Future Enhancements: Video and Screen Sharing

Looking ahead, OpenAI plans to enhance the ChatGPT voice assistant with additional features, including video and screen sharing capabilities. During a demonstration in May, OpenAI employees showcased the potential of these features by pointing their phone cameras at a piece of paper to solve math equations and sharing computer screens for coding assistance. While these advanced functionalities are not yet available, OpenAI intends to introduce them in future updates.

The introduction of the voice-enabled ChatGPT bot represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI assistants, setting new standards for natural and interactive user experiences. As OpenAI continues to refine and expand its capabilities, users can look forward to even more powerful and versatile AI interactions in the near future.