• OpenAI begins rolling out advanced Voice Mode to select ChatGPT Plus users, enabling live translation and customizable character voices.
  • Full rollout of the advanced Voice Mode is expected between late September and December 2024, following alpha testing and safety assessments.

Earlier this year, artificial intelligence (AI) giant, OpenAI made headlines by introducing a new feature for the popular AI chatbot. The advanced voice mode allows people to talk to ChatGPT, similar to how characters interact with AI in the movie "Her" starring Scarlett Johansson.

Recently, OpenAI announced that it is beginning to roll out an advanced Voice Mode to a limited number of ChatGPT Plus users. This feature lets users create customizable character voices or use it as a live translator.

“Users in this alpha will receive an email with instructions and a message in their mobile app. We'll continue to add more people on a rolling basis and plan for everyone on Plus to have access in the fall. As previously mentioned, video and screen sharing capabilities will launch at a later date,” it said.

OpenAI has revealed that it tested GPT-4o's voice capabilities with over 100 external experts across 45 languages. To protect user privacy, the model is restricted to speaking in four preset voices, with systems in place to block any deviations. Additionally, measures have been implemented to prevent the generation of violent or copyrighted content.

The company also noted that insights from this alpha testing phase will contribute to enhancing the safety and user experience of the Advanced Voice feature. OpenAI plans to release a comprehensive report on GPT-4o’s capabilities, limitations, and safety assessments in early August.

According to reports, the full rollout of the new feature is anticipated to take place between late September and December, with the end of 2024 being a more realistic timeframe for it to become available to all Plus subscribers.

In May 2024, Scarlett Johansson sued OpenAI for using her voice likeness without permission. She revealed that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had twice approached her to clone her voice for the AI chatbot, which she declined. 

OpenAI, however, claimed the voice was from other actors, not Johansson. And later that month, ChatGPT's “Sky” voice was removed. Altman told in an interview that “Sky” was not based on Johansson's voice; it was recorded by a professional actor whose identity remains private for privacy reasons.

He also stated that they cast the voice actor before contacting Johansson and apologized for the lack of communication, pausing the use of “Sky's” voice out of respect for her.

Furthemore, OpenAI has recently announced that it is launching SearchGPT, an AI-powered search engine with real-time access to information across the internet.  

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah