In May, OpenAI showcased an exciting new feature for its AI chatbot, ChatGPT. This advanced voice mode was designed to make ChatGPT talk almost like a real person. Originally, OpenAI planned to roll out this feature to paying users within a few weeks of the demo. However, the launch has been delayed to ensure the feature is safe and high-quality.
Reason for the Delay
OpenAI initially planned to start testing the voice feature with a small group of users in late June. However, they announced needing an additional month to perfect the feature. The delay is due to several reasons:
- Content Filtering: The chatbot needs to be better at avoiding inappropriate or harmful content.
- User Experience: OpenAI is working on making the interaction smoother and more natural.
- Scalability: They are preparing their systems to handle millions of users simultaneously while maintaining real-time responses.
The plan is to release the feature gradually, starting with a small group of users and expanding based on feedback. The full launch for all paying users might not happen until the fall, depending on the results of safety and reliability checks.
Controversy and Legal Issues
One of the voices, named “Sky,” sounded similar to actress Scarlett Johansson. Johansson claimed that OpenAI used her voice without permission and hired a lawyer. OpenAI denied these allegations but decided to remove the voice that sounded like hers to avoid further issues.
Upcoming Features
Besides the advanced voice mode, OpenAI is also developing new video and screen-sharing features. These tools can solve math problems from pictures and explain device settings, making them useful for various tasks. These features will be available on both smartphones and desktop computers.
Future Plans
OpenAI’s advanced voice mode aims to bring more natural and real-time conversations with AI. The company is committed to ensuring the feature is safe and reliable before releasing it widely. They will continue to test and improve the feature based on user feedback to meet their high standards.
Conclusion
OpenAI’s new voice feature for ChatGPT is delayed to ensure it meets safety and quality standards. Despite the setback, OpenAI remains focused on providing advanced and natural AI interactions. The gradual rollout will help refine the feature, ultimately bringing a more human-like conversation experience to all users.