OpenAI is preparing to offer a new Advanced Voice Mode exclusively for ChatGPT Plus subscribers. This mode, introduced at the GPT-4o launch event in May, sparked some controversy due to its similarity to Scarlett Johansson’s voice. Although it was delayed due to security concerns, it is now finally becoming available.

Advanced Voice Mode Similar to Scarlett Johansson Coming This Fall

This new voice mode is significantly more capable than the existing one in ChatGPT. During OpenAI’s event, employees directed the chatbot to tell stories in various ways, and the chatbot adapted its responses accordingly.

Initially planned for release in an alpha version by the end of June, this mode was delayed by a month due to OpenAI’s additional security measures. The company used this time to enhance the model’s ability to detect and reject certain content. OpenAI spokesperson Taya Christianson mentioned that they worked with over 100 external red teamers (people who attack technologies to find vulnerabilities) to test the voice model’s capabilities.

The security pause seems to have been a prudent step in light of increasing scrutiny on the company’s security policies. One of the main criticisms of this new mode was that the “Sky” voice, which played an AI character in a film, resembled Scarlett Johansson’s voice too closely.

Johansson even wrote a letter to OpenAI asking how the voice was created. Consequently, OpenAI removed the voice before the demo. Now, in ChatGPT’s new mode, only four pre-set voices created by voice actors will be used. This means ChatGPT will not be able to mimic the voices of individuals or public figures.

OpenAI plans to roll out this new voice mode to all ChatGPT Plus users in the fall. With this update, voice commands and interactions will be much more natural and fluid. What do you think? You can share your opinions about OpenAI’s new advanced voice mode in the comments section below.