OpenAI Releases New ChatGPT Voice Assistant

OpenAI, renowned for its development of the ChatGPT platform, has recently launched a preliminary version of its voice assistant, available initially to a select group of paid subscribers. This release follows a delay caused by safety concerns and backlash over an earlier voice option that was perceived as strikingly similar to the voice of actress Scarlett Johansson. The decision to delay the rollout from late June to early July was made to ensure the feature met the company’s “launch standard” and addressed the criticism it received during a May demonstration.

The newly introduced “alpha” version of the voice assistant is now accessible to a limited number of users, with plans to extend availability to all GPT-Plus subscribers by the fall. This rollout is part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to enhance its offerings and respond to user feedback. The previous version of the voice assistant featured a voice named “Sky,” which attracted significant attention due to its resemblance to Johansson’s AI character from the 2013 film “Her.” The resemblance became particularly notable following a cryptic tweet from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who posted “her” on the same day the ChatGPT-4o version and voice assistant were announced, further fueling speculation and concern.

In light of the backlash, OpenAI chose to exclude the Sky voice from the current release. Johansson had expressed her surprise and dismay at the voice’s similarity, leading her to seek legal counsel. Although OpenAI acknowledged the vocal resemblance between Sky and Johansson, the company insisted that Sky’s voice was produced by a different professional actress using her natural speaking voice. This clarification did not fully quell the controversy, prompting OpenAI to implement new privacy features to address the issues raised. These features are designed to prevent the voice assistant from imitating other individuals’ voices and from generating content that infringes on copyrights.

The introduction of the voice assistant feature was initially showcased during a May event, where it was highlighted as one of the advanced capabilities of GPT-4o. The demonstration illustrated the assistant’s ability to understand and respond to spoken prompts, emphasizing its potential for more interactive and natural communication. Despite the controversy, OpenAI remains committed to expanding the voice assistant’s capabilities and ensuring that its technology is both innovative and respectful of privacy concerns.

OpenAI has not disclosed the identity of the voice talent behind Sky, citing the importance of maintaining the privacy of its voice contributors. The company has stated that it worked with leading casting and directing professionals, evaluating over 400 submissions before selecting the five voices included in the alpha version. Plans to introduce additional voice options in the future suggest that OpenAI is focused on providing a diverse range of voices to meet different user preferences.

Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, OpenAI has continued to enhance its product through various updates and new features. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its ongoing efforts to refine its AI technologies while addressing ethical and privacy concerns. The recent controversy surrounding the voice assistant underscores the complex challenges that technology companies face as they advance in areas such as voice synthesis and personal privacy.

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, has been a key figure in the company’s development and public perception. Despite his considerable net worth of approximately $1 billion, Altman does not hold equity in OpenAI. His wealth is derived from successful investments in various ventures, including Reddit, fintech firm Stripe, and nuclear fusion startup Helion. Altman’s entrepreneurial background also includes founding the social mapping company Loopt and serving as a partner and president at the startup accelerator Y Combinator before establishing OpenAI.

As OpenAI moves forward with its voice assistant technology, the company will need to navigate ongoing challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. The resolution of the Scarlett Johansson controversy and the implementation of enhanced privacy measures are critical steps in maintaining user trust and ensuring the responsible development of AI technologies. The future of OpenAI’s voice assistant will be closely observed by industry experts and the public, as the company strives to balance innovation with ethical considerations and user expectations.