Today marks a significant milestone in AI development with the ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode rollout beginning its alpha phase.
A recent leak on X.com reveals that a select group of ChatGPT Plus users will gain early access to this highly anticipated feature, allowing them to engage in human-like conversations with their favorite AI assistant.
But while conversational AI is advancing rapidly, there’s already plenty of buzz—and not just about the new features.
When is ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode rollout?
While today’s ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode rollout marks the first opportunity for a select group of ChatGPT Plus users to try this feature, not everyone will get immediate access.
According to the leak, participation in this alpha phase will depend on a variety of factors—essentially, not every Plus subscriber can expect to experience this groundbreaking feature just yet.
An email from the ChatGPT team confirms the advanced mode is part of a limited alpha rollout starting today, Tuesday, September 24, 2024. While OpenAI has promised that “all Plus users will have access by the end of fall,” this alpha test is the first tangible step toward that goal.
Advanced Voice mode seems to be confirmed to be releasing to a select number of users this Tuesday, September 24, 2024! pic.twitter.com/XJa2o4HIaJ
— “Brian” (@Arktophylaxxx) September 23, 2024
Despite the limited nature of the rollout, there’s excitement brewing within the community. Many see it as a sign that OpenAI is committed to fulfilling its promise of bringing this new conversational mode to users before the year is out. And for those who don’t get access right away, it’s a sure indicator that a full public release is not far off.
What is ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode?
OpenAI first demoed Advanced Voice Mode in May 2024, showcasing the next step in how we interact with AI.
Unlike previous versions, this new mode allows for dynamic, real-time, human-like interactions with ChatGPT, including the ability to interrupt or redirect the conversation mid-sentence if it veers off track or becomes overly detailed.
This is especially exciting for users who want more natural, fluid conversations without having to wait for a text response or struggle with long-winded answers. You can now ask complex questions and expect sophisticated, detailed answers from the chatbot in real-time!
A new era of conversational AI
This rollout brings ChatGPT closer to a future where interacting with AI feels as natural as talking to another person. While OpenAI was once ahead of the competition—having first demoed Advanced Voice Mode—the company has started to feel the heat from its rivals. Google has already launched Gemini Live, an AI similar in scope, while Apple’s rumored Siri 2.0 is generating buzz with its enhanced AI capabilities.
The competitive landscape for conversational AI is heating up, but this alpha test could be the push OpenAI needs to get back to the forefront of the race. The improved capability of the voice mode is expected to make ChatGPT more user-friendly and accessible, especially for those on the go, where typing long queries isn’t always feasible.
Let’s hope for a smoother ride
However, it’s not all smooth sailing for OpenAI as the ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode rollout date approaches.
Back in May, OpenAI was caught in a scandal involving actress Scarlett Johansson, whose voice was used to demo the feature. Johansson, known for her iconic voice, took issue with her voice being used without her explicit consent, sparking a debate about ethical AI and the use of celebrity likenesses in AI-generated content. While OpenAI claimed it was a generic voice that coincidentally sounded similar, the backlash highlighted the complexities of voice technology, especially when it comes to intellectual property and personal rights.
The controversy surrounding Johansson’s voice has brought to the forefront important discussions about where the line should be drawn in AI-generated content, particularly when it involves real people. As OpenAI continues to develop and roll out Advanced Voice Mode, it will need to carefully navigate these legal and ethical waters to avoid further mishaps.
The ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode rollout marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of conversational AI. By allowing more natural, fluid interactions, this feature pushes the boundaries of what AI can do. With OpenAI competing against tech giants like Google and Apple, the pressure is on to deliver a polished, ethical, and revolutionary product. But the future looks bright for those waiting for their chance to speak with ChatGPT—and as this feature enters its alpha phase, the full release could be just around the corner.
Featured image credit: Emre Çıtak/Ideogram AI
