OpenAI has announced a delay in the rollout of its much-anticipated advanced Voice Mode feature for ChatGPT, originally showcased last month. The company stated that additional development time is required to meet its high standards for launch readiness. Initially, this feature will be made available to a select group of users to collect feedback before it becomes accessible to all paying ChatGPT subscribers in the fall.
The advanced Voice Mode praised for its remarkably human-like sound quality, had sparked excitement and comparisons to the voice assistant portrayed by Scarlett Johansson in the film Her. However, the project hit a snag when Johansson accused OpenAI of using her voice likeness without permission, leading to further scrutiny of the feature.
OpenAI is focusing on enhancing the model’s capability to identify and reject inappropriate content. The team is also refining the user experience and bolstering the infrastructure to handle millions of users while delivering real-time responses.
In addition to voice improvements, OpenAI had planned to introduce a feature that allows voice assistants to interact with the user’s environment via the phone’s camera. However, this too has been postponed until the fall as the company works to ensure the technology meets stringent safety and reliability standards.
OpenAI’s commitment to safety and quality is evident in its decision to delay the launch of its advanced voice features for ChatGPT. By taking the time to refine the technology and address feedback, OpenAI aims to provide a more secure and reliable user experience. Users can look forward to a new era of voice interaction capabilities in the coming months, pending the successful resolution of current developmental challenges.
