OpenAI's Voice Mode Feature for ChatGPT Delayed, Alpha Testing to Begin in July

OpenAI said the feature was being delayed to meet its safety and reliability bar.

Written by Akash Dutta, Edited by David Delima | Updated: 26 June 2024 16:58 IST

OpenAI's Voice Mode Feature for ChatGPT Delayed, Alpha Testing to Begin in July

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Levart_Photographer

OpenAI also said it was improving the Voice Mode’s ability to detect and refuse certain content

Highlights

OpenAI is also readying its infrastructure to handle real-time responses
The new Voice Mode for ChatGPT was unveiled last month
OpenAI's video and screen-sharing features are also delayed indefinitely

OpenAI on Tuesday announced that it was delaying the launch of its advanced Voice Mode for ChatGPT with emotive expressions and real-time responses. The artificial intelligence (AI) firm showcased the feature during last month's Spring Updates event alongside its latest GPT-4o model. OpenAI now plans to start alpha testing for the voice mode next month. The company did not share details regarding other features demonstrated at the event such as real-time video processing and screen-sharing capabilities for its chatbot.

OpenAI delays launch of GPT-4o features

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), OpenAI posted an update about the advanced Voice Mode feature. As demonstrated last month, the feature is powered by GPT-4o and allows ChatGPT to respond to prompts and queries verbally in real time. The chatbot was also shown to modulate its voice, express emotions, and even sing. This feature was one of the central announcements of the OpenAI event.

However, the company has now confirmed that it will not arrive before July. There are several reasons behind the delay, and OpenAI says that it is working on the feature's ability to detect and refuse certain content. It is also scaling its infrastructure to let millions of users access real-time voice responses without any lag.

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The current plan is to release the feature to a small group of ChatGPT Plus users as a part of its alpha testing programme. Based on the feedback and learnings, the AI firm then plans to roll out the feature to all Plus users in the fall, without sharing a concrete launch timeline.

Additionally, the company also acknowledged the delays in deploying other features showcased in the event. For instance, the ability of ChatGPT to see the surroundings through the user's video feed and interact with it in real-time and the screen-sharing capabilities also do not have a release timeline. OpenAI said it will keep users posted about it.

Separately, the AI firm launched its ChatGPT app for macOS on Tuesday for all users. The app comes with new features such as shortcut keys for quick launch, loading screenshots directly into the app, and support for the standard Voice Mode.

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Further reading: OpenAI, ChatGPT, GPT, AI, Artificial Intelligence

Akash Dutta Email Akash Dutta

Akash Dutta is a Senior Sub Editor at Gadgets 360. He is particularly interested in the social impact of technological developments and loves reading about emerging fields such as AI, metaverse, and fediverse. In his free time, he can be seen supporting his favourite football club - Chelsea, watching movies and anime, and sharing passionate opinions on food. More