OpenAI rolls out voice mode after delaying it for safety reasons

OpenAI has announced the rollout of its new voice mode for ChatGPT, following a delay for additional safety testing. Initially showcased in May, the voice mode can detect various tones and respond to interruptions, mimicking human conversation. However, it faced criticism for potentially reinforcing sexist stereotypes, particularly regarding the portrayal of female assistants. Allegations arose from actress Scarlett Johansson, who claimed her voice was used without permission, but OpenAI clarified that the voice in question, named Sky, was sourced from a different actor and has since been removed from the product. The new voice mode will be gradually made available to all paying customers by fall, starting with a limited user group. Unlike previous versions that transcribed spoken input into text, the updated model processes audio directly, allowing it to interpret multiple voices and emotional tones simultaneously. OpenAI has collaborated with representatives from 45 languages and 29 regions to enhance the model's capabilities. Initially, users will have access to four unique voices, with safeguards in place to prevent the generation of voices resembling real individuals. This development reflects ongoing efforts by tech companies to create advanced conversational AI, akin to those depicted in science fiction.