OpenAI has unveiled an advanced voice mode for audio interactions with its ChatGPT chatbot, specifically for users subscribed to the premium service. This new feature aims to enable more natural and fluid conversations. The rollout began this week but is not yet available in EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or the U.K.
This new capability, announced by OpenAI in May, garnered attention due to a voice named Sky, which bore a resemblance to Scarlett Johansson’s voice in the 2013 film “Her.” Subsequently, OpenAI received legal notices from Johansson’s legal team, leading the company to suspend the use of the Sky voice in its products, as reported by CNBC.
Since then, users have been able to configure ChatGPT to speak in various other voices via a free tier, but the advanced version offers quicker responses and better interruption handling. There are now nine voice options available, and users can customize their voice interactions within the app’s settings.
Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, expressed his hope that users would find the wait worthwhile through a post on X.
Competing companies have also been active. Google has rolled out its Gemini Live voice feature for Android devices, and Meta is set to introduce celebrity voices accessible through its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT has established itself in the generative AI chatbot market since its launch in late 2022. By August, the company reported that ChatGPT had over 200 million weekly active users. The advanced voice mode is exclusively available to subscribers of OpenAI’s Plus, Team, or Enterprise plans, with the most cost-effective option being the Plus tier at $20 per month.
For subscribers ready to use the new voice mode, the steps include ensuring the latest version of the app is installed, opening the ChatGPT app, and following the prompts after receiving a notification about the new feature. Users can create a new chat and activate the voice mode by tapping the sound wave icon next to the microphone icon.
Upon activation, users will hear a “bump” sound and see an animation, indicating the feature is ready for use. The voice mode offers improved accents in some languages and faster conversation speeds. Users can also customize the chatbot’s speech style, requesting it to speak faster or with different accents. Features such as bedtime stories, interview preparation, and language practice are among the functionalities offered by the advanced voice mode.
However, even paying users will encounter usage limits. After approximately 30 minutes of use, a “15 minutes left” notification appears on the screen. OpenAI has not provided specific details regarding these time limits.
A video discussing OpenAI’s leadership in the AI supercycle, featuring Altimeter Capital’s Apoorv Agrawal, is available for further insights into the company’s advancements.
