OpenAI has begun rolling out its advanced voice mode to a select group of ChatGPT Plus users, as announced on the company’s official X page on Tuesday.
This new feature introduces real-time, lifelike voice interactions, enabling users to engage in dynamic conversations with ChatGPT, including the ability to interrupt the AI during discussions.
In its announcement, OpenAI detailed the enhancements: “We’re starting to roll out advanced Voice Mode to a small group of ChatGPT Plus users. This mode facilitates more natural, real-time conversations, allows for interruptions, and can detect and respond to user emotions.”
The company has conducted extensive testing of GPT-4o’s voice capabilities with over 100 external evaluators across 45 languages. The feedback from this alpha phase will be used to refine the Advanced Voice experience for all users. OpenAI plans to release a comprehensive report on GPT-4o’s voice features, including its capabilities, limitations, and safety evaluations, in early August.
The initial rollout, which was postponed from late June to July, underscores OpenAI’s commitment to maintaining high launch standards. The new voice features aim to address longstanding challenges in AI interactions, such as achieving natural conversation flow and responsiveness.
As the AI landscape evolves, OpenAI’s introduction of advanced voice capabilities aligns with its strategy to remain competitive in the generative AI market. This move is part of a broader effort by OpenAI to enhance its offerings and compete with major players in the tech industry.
OpenAI is also expanding its portfolio with the introduction of SearchGPT, a new search tool designed to compete directly with Google. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman explained the initiative, saying, “We believe there is significant potential to improve search. Our new prototype, SearchGPT, will help us learn and enhance the technology, eventually integrating it into ChatGPT for real-time, more useful search capabilities.”
In addition, OpenAI has formed a partnership with Reddit to integrate Reddit’s content into ChatGPT. This collaboration was announced on Thursday and resulted in a 12% increase in Reddit’s shares during extended trading. The agreement allows ChatGPT to access Reddit’s data through its API, improving the chatbot’s content.
OpenAI will also become a Reddit advertising partner, marking a deeper collaboration between the two companies. This partnership is part of Reddit’s strategy to diversify revenue streams and follows its recent deal with Alphabet to provide content for Google’s AI models.
OpenAI has also secured a significant deal with venture capital firm Thrive Capital, potentially elevating its valuation to $80 billion or more. This follows a $300 million share sale about ten months ago, which valued the company at approximately $27 billion. If confirmed, this new valuation would make OpenAI one of the highest-valued tech startups globally.
