Key findings
- ChatGPT's Enhanced Voice Mode feature is reportedly rolling out today for select Plus users.
- A wider release will likely happen this fall, but OpenAI has not confirmed a date yet.
- Google has at least got ahead of OpenAI this time by launching Gemini Live before its competitor.
Since ChatGPT launched in late 2022, it has been constantly adding new features that have made it something of a viral sensation among users. One of these features is the enhanced voice mode that the company introduced in May of this year. This feature essentially allows ChatGPT to have more natural voice-based conversations and respond to the user with a certain level of “emotion.” Naturally, most users can’t wait to try it out.
OpenAI will reportedly make Advanced Voice Mode feature available to more users today
Now, a recent leak on X suggests that a select group of ChatGPT Plus users could get access to the feature as early as today (September 24). The leak in question contains an email from OpenAI mentioning that “access to the alpha release of Enhanced Voice Mode on September 24, 2024 is dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to invitations to participate and the specific criteria established for the alpha testing phase.” The email also notes that Plus users “will be among the first to get access to new features.”
So it looks like some Plus users could be added to the alpha test group today, while others will have to wait until later this fall to access the feature. Although OpenAI has not yet confirmed a full release date for the enhanced voice mode, the addition of more users to the test phase suggests that a wider rollout could happen sooner rather than later. The timing is not surprising, as OpenAI's competitor Google has already launched Gemini Live, the version of the chatbot with voice capabilities.
While ChatGPT Plus membership comes with some benefits, we should note that the subscription itself isn't exactly cheap at $20 per month. However, you do get access to a variety of LLMs and even early features like Advanced Voice Mode. It remains to be seen whether OpenAI will keep Advanced Voice Mode exclusive to Plus users or follow Google's approach with Gemini Live and make it available to all users for free.
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