OpenAI Postpones Launch of ChatGPT's Exciting New Voice Mode

In May, OpenAI showcased its remarkably realistic and nearly real-time "advanced voice mode" for the ChatGPT platform, announcing plans for a rollout to paying users within weeks. However, a few months later, the company has indicated that more time is needed to perfect the feature.

In an update shared on OpenAI's official Discord server, the company revealed that it had initially aimed to introduce the advanced Voice Mode in alpha to a select group of ChatGPT Plus users by late June. However, ongoing issues have pushed this launch back to July. “One of our priorities is to enhance the model's ability to recognize and decline inappropriate content,” OpenAI stated. “We're also focused on refining user experiences and scaling our infrastructure to ensure real-time responses for millions of users. Our iterative deployment strategy will begin with a small user group to collect feedback and increase access based on our findings.”

OpenAI noted that the advanced Voice Mode may not be available to all ChatGPT Plus subscribers until the fall, depending on the results of rigorous internal safety and reliability assessments. Nonetheless, this delay will not impact the introduction of new video and screen-sharing features demonstrated earlier at OpenAI’s spring press event. These capabilities include solving math problems from images and explaining settings menus on various devices. They are designed to function seamlessly on both smartphones and desktop platforms, such as the newly available macOS app.

“ChatGPT's advanced Voice Mode is designed to understand and respond with emotions and nonverbal cues, enhancing our ability to engage in real-time, natural conversations with AI,” OpenAI emphasized. “Our mission is to roll out these innovations thoughtfully.”

During the initial launch event, OpenAI staff demonstrated how ChatGPT could respond almost instantaneously to inquiries, like solving a math problem presented on a page in front of a smartphone camera.

The introduction of advanced Voice Mode sparked controversy due to its default "Sky" voice's resemblance to actress Scarlett Johansson. Following this, Johansson publicly announced that she had sought legal counsel to investigate the voice's development and had repeatedly declined requests from OpenAI to license her voice. Although OpenAI denied any unauthorized use of Johansson's voice or a sound-alike, the company subsequently discontinued the contentious voice option.