OpenAI Delays Launch of Voice and Emotion-Reading Features for ChatGPT
OpenAI has announced a delay in the launch of its new voice and emotion-reading features for the ChatGPT chatbot, citing the need for further safety testing. Initially set to be available to some paying subscribers in late June, the release has been postponed by a month and is now expected to roll out to all paying users sometime in the fall. The company emphasized that the exact timing would depend on meeting their “high standards for safety and reliability.”
The announcement comes after a demonstration last month that generated significant excitement among ChatGPT users. The new features promise to enhance the chatbot’s interactivity by allowing it to speak in various synthetic voices and read emotions. However, the excitement was tempered by controversy, including a potential lawsuit from actress Scarlett Johansson. Johansson alleged that OpenAI had used her voice without permission for one of its AI personas.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has denied these claims, stating that the company did not train the bot on Johansson’s voice. According to a report by The Washington Post, the company had hired a different actor for the training audio, based on internal records and interviews with casting directors and the actor’s agent. This clarification aims to address concerns and clear up any misunderstandings regarding the training process.
The delayed features include the ability for ChatGPT to speak in various synthetic voices, or “personas.” These features were first introduced late last year, with a more advanced AI system called GPT-4o showcased in a demo in May. This demo displayed the chatbot’s ability to speak in expressive tones, respond to a person’s tone of voice and facial expressions, and engage in more complex conversations.
OpenAI’s commitment to safety and reliability has led to the postponement of these highly anticipated features. While the delay may disappoint some users, it underscores the company’s dedication to providing a secure and dependable AI experience. As OpenAI continues to refine these capabilities, users can look forward to an enhanced ChatGPT that not only understands text but also communicates with a more human-like presence.
For further updates, stay tuned to OpenAI’s announcements and expect the rollout of these innovative features later this year.
