Early Access Alert: ChatGPT’s New Voice Mode is Finally Here

How did Scarlett Johansson delay OpenAI’s latest feature?

Author

Aaron Wu
August 05, 2024

In partnership with

Source: Passionfruit - Charlotte Colombo. Remix by Caterina Rose Cox

TL;DR Summary

  • OpenAI’s Advanced Voice Mode: Now rolling out to select ChatGPT Plus users, this new feature enables real-time, emotion-sensitive conversations.

  • Scarlett Johansson Drama: The rollout was delayed due to concerns over the AI's voice sounding eerily similar to Johansson, highlighting privacy and ethical issues.

  • Big Potential: From revolutionizing customer service to mental health support, this tech could change how we interact with AI. Fall 2024 promises wider access.

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Imagine if Siri and Alexa had a love child who grew up binge-watching Her and decided it was time to become an emotionally intelligent conversationalist.

Well, OpenAI’s Advanced Voice Mode is here, and it’s ready to chat.

Source: OpenAI

OpenAI has begun a limited rollout of this hotly anticipated feature for ChatGPT Plus users, giving them a taste of what it’s like to have a chatbot that can not only talk but also understand emotions.

Fancy that!

The Celebrity Soundalike Dilemma

But wait! Just as we were gearing up to say, "Hey, ChatGPT, tell me a joke," in a Scarlett Johansson-esque voice, things got a little spicy.

The launch was delayed, not because the tech wasn’t ready, but because Scarlett Johansson herself had a few questions about why ChatGPT sounded like her. Cue the lawyers and a flurry of “no comments.”

This wasn’t just a Hollywood drama. The case highlighted some pretty significant concerns about voice cloning technology.

Imagine your voice being used to impersonate you without your consent.

Johansson accused OpenAI of using a voice for its Sky assistant that sounded eerily similar to hers, stirring the pot on privacy and security.

OpenAI clarified that the voice was naturally similar and not intentionally designed to mimic Johansson, but the incident underscored the vulnerabilities associated with voice cloning.

To mitigate these risks, OpenAI had to rework the voices, ensuring they didn’t accidentally impersonate celebrities (because who wants to get sued by Black Widow?).

They also needed to make sure the bot wouldn’t belt out copyrighted songs.

A New Era of AI Conversations

Now, the feature is trickling out to a select few ChatGPT Plus users, with plans to hit everyone by fall 2024. What’s the big deal, you ask?

Well, this isn’t just about having a chatbot that sounds cool. We’re talking real-time conversations where the AI can detect and respond to emotions.

Feeling blue? ChatGPT might just sing you a happy tune (minus the copyrighted lyrics, of course).

This could revolutionize customer service, making those dreaded helpline calls a bit more bearable. It could also be a game-changer for mental health support, offering a friendly, empathetic ear when you need it most.

And if you’re just looking for someone to gush about your day, ChatGPT’s got you covered.

So, for those lucky few with early access, give it a whirl. See if it can detect your excitement when you ask it to tell you a story or your frustration when it still can’t find Waldo.

For the rest of us mere mortals, fall isn’t too far away. Until then, we’ll keep our texts and prompts ready.

For those who have access, try it out and see how this new tech can change the way you interact with AI.

And if you’re curious or just a bit sceptical, keep an eye out for updates. This could be the start of a beautiful (and emotionally aware) friendship.

See you in the next one,

Aaron

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