OpenAI Rolls Out Her-Like Voice Mode for ChatGPT

OpenAI is now rolling out its advanced voice mode for ChatGPT to a limited number of ChatGPT Plus subscribers. This new feature was first showcased at the GPT-4 launch event in May, but it drew attention for its resemblance to Scarlett Johansson’s voice. It was initially delayed due to safety concerns.

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The new voice mode demonstrated significant improvements over the current version during the event. OpenAI employees showcased its capabilities by interrupting the chatbot and asking it to tell a story in various ways. Impressively, the chatbot seamlessly adapted to these interruptions, adjusting its responses in real time.

The advanced voice mode for ChatGPT was initially set to be released in alpha in late June, but OpenAI delayed it by a month to meet their launch standards. During this delay, they focused on enhancing the model’s ability to detect and refuse certain types of content. 

OpenAI spokesperson Taya Christianson mentioned that the voice model was tested by over 100 external red teamers, who attempted to find weaknesses in the technology. Given the recent scrutiny over OpenAI’s safety policies, this pause was likely a wise decision. Additionally, new filters were added to block requests for generating music or other copyrighted audio.

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One of the main criticisms during OpenAI’s event was that the onstage voice, named “Sky,” sounded strikingly similar to Scarlett Johansson, who voiced an AI character in the movie ‘Her’. Although this voice was part of ChatGPT before OpenAI’s spring demo, it was removed after Johansson expressed concerns and sent letters to OpenAI about its creation. 

Christianson clarified that ChatGPT’s new mode will now use only four preset voices created with voice actors. OpenAI has ensured that ChatGPT cannot mimic other people’s voices, including those of public figures, and will block any outputs that deviate from the preset voices.

OpenAI plans to make this new mode available to all ChatGPT Plus users by the fall, according to Christianson.

Source: OpenAI starts rolling out its Her-like voice mode for ChatGPT