A surprise media event was scheduled by OpenAI just before Google’s I/O 2024 keynote, where Google showcased its new Gemini AI capabilities. New multimodal ChatGPT features, such as the capacity to comprehend content in images, videos, and computer screens, astounded the world at the time. OpenAI unveiled these features.
Features such as Advanced Voice Mode allow ChatGPT to conduct voice conversations more efficiently and naturally. One can interrupt the chatbot with new information, similar to what a human discussion is like, and ChatGPT would not lose its train of thought. One can also feel emotions and changes in ChatGPT’s tone that are unique to humans.
Gemini AI under Google demoed similar features a day later. However, both companies were not in a position to launch the feature at the time.
In late July, OpenAI made Advanced Voice Mode available to a limited number of ChatGPT Plus users. Without specifying a release date, the company stated that Advanced Voice Mode would be available to all Plus users this autumn. A fresh batch of leaks now seems to suggest that the date is drawing near quickly. As early as next week, OpenAI may expand ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode’s user base. On September 24th, a Redditor discovered leaks on X that suggest more people may have access to the voice feature. It may even begin rolling out to all Plus users.
OpenAI cannot allow itself to lag. Although the more sophisticated ChatGPT o1-preview model may have just been released, it is still in testing. As OpenAI needs to demonstrate to investors that it can keep up with Google’s speed, Advanced Voice Mode should not be too far off. As a reminder, OpenAI is looking to raise more capital, with Apple rumored to be among the new OpenAI investors. It is however unclear when users on the free ChatGPT plan might get access to the new voice features.
