OpenAI is adding a voice communication capability to ChatGPT to provide users with a more human-like experience. This new feature will be rolled out to paying ChatGPT users in the next two weeks and will offer the ability for “two-way conversation.”
New Voice Technology
The new voice communication feature allows users to choose from five different voices developed in collaboration with professional voice actors. These voices sound highly natural and human, distinct from the typical stilted responses of smartphone assistants. Joanna Stern of The Wall Street Journal described these voices as “eerily human-like.”
Risks and Private Use Case
However, the new voice technology comes with certain risks, particularly the potential for malicious actors to impersonate public figures or engage in fraudulent activities. Therefore, OpenAI is deploying this technology for a specific private use case, supporting voice conversations. Voice conversations are created directly in collaboration with trained voice actors to ensure a secure environment.
Reviving Competition
OpenAI’s introduction of the new voice feature to ChatGPT revitalizes competition in the field, affecting competitors like Apple and Amazon. Popular assistants like Siri and Alexa will be directly impacted by this update. This could lead users to expect more options and a better experience from these platforms.
Other Innovations in ChatGPT
ChatGPT is not only adding voice communication but also the ability for users to show what they are talking about. For example, during meal planning, it could display the items in the refrigerator to provide a better understanding. This enhancement will make ChatGPT a more functional tool overall.
