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OpenAI has expanded access to its Advanced Voice Mode (AVM) for ChatGPT to a broader group of paid subscribers.
The feature, designed to enhance natural conversations with the AI, is now available to Plus users and Team users, with Enterprise and educational customers gaining access next week.
Advanced Voice is rolling out to all Plus and Team users in the ChatGPT app over the course of the week.
While you’ve been patiently waiting, we’ve added Custom Instructions, Memory, five new voices, and improved accents.
It can also say “Sorry I’m late” in over 50 languages. pic.twitter.com/APOqqhXtDg
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) September 24, 2024
Users will get a pop-up notification in the ChatGPT app when AVM becomes available, but there is no set deadline for complete access. Notably, AVM is currently unavailable in regions such as the EU, UK, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, and there are no plans to offer it to free users.
What Features Does ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode Include?
AVM enhances ChatGPT by promoting more natural interactions. Users can interrupt the AI mid-response, and it can detect and interpret emotions through tone of voice, adjusting its replies accordingly. This version also provides faster responses and allows for personalized voice modes, along with improved pronunciation of non-English words.
The update adds five new voices—Arbor, Sol, Maple, Vale, and Spruce—bringing the total to nine, which includes Juniper, Breeze, Ember, and Cove. These nature-themed names reflect AVM’s goal of enhancing conversational naturalness. Notably absent is Sky, a voice from OpenAI’s spring update, which faced criticism from Scarlett Johansson for resembling hers, prompting her to seek legal counsel. OpenAI has since paused Sky, claiming it is the voice of a different actress.
These capabilities were first previewed in May during the unveiling of GPT-4o but weren’t released until July, initially only to an invite-only group. As part of the rollout, AVM has received a design update, now shown as a blue animated sphere instead of black dots shown in the May demonstration.
In August, AI advisor and investor Allie Miller showcased a demonstration of the tool, highlighting the capabilities of the new version:
I’m testing the new @OpenAI Advanced Voice Mode and I just snorted with laughter.
In a good way.
Watch the whole thing ?? pic.twitter.com/vSOMzXdwZo
— Allie K. Miller (@alliekmiller) August 2, 2024
OpenAI has confirmed that AVM has been safety-tested by external experts since its July release. However, as a closed-source model, it poses challenges for independent researchers assessing its safety and bias.
The primary competitor to ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode is now Gemini Live, launched by Google in mid-August for Advanced subscribers on Android, with plans to expand to iOS and other languages soon. Gemini Live features 10 voice options for personalized interactions, integrates with Google apps for task management, and supports hands-free conversations.
