OpenAI Delays ChatGPT's Voice Mode Release to Ensure Safety

OpenAI has delayed the release of its Voice Mode feature for ChatGPT. Initially, the feature will be available to a limited group of ChatGPT Plus users in July, with a wider rollout expected in the fall.

In Short

• OpenAI delays Voice Mode rollout for ChatGPT to July.

• Initial release will be in alpha to a select group of ChatGPT Plus users.

• The company announced the delay on X.

OpenAI has announced a delay in rolling out the Voice Mode feature for ChatGPT, aiming to address technical issues and ensure high-quality standards. Initially set for late June, the release has been postponed to July, focusing on safety and user experience. The Voice Mode feature, promising realistic voice conversations, will first be introduced to a select group of ChatGPT Plus users. OpenAI is taking extra time to refine the model's capabilities and ensure it meets stringent launch standards.

In a post on the social media platform X, OpenAI explained the areas needing improvement before the feature could be released.

"We had planned to start rolling this out in alpha to a small group of ChatGPT Plus users in late June, but need one more month to reach our bar to launch. For example, we’re improving the model’s ability to detect and refuse certain content. We’re also working on improving the user experience and preparing our infrastructure to scale to millions while maintaining real-time responses," the company stated.

OpenAI added, "As part of our iterative deployment strategy, we'll start the alpha with a small group of users to gather feedback and expand based on what we learn. We are planning for all Plus users to have access in the fall. Exact timelines depend on meeting our high safety and reliability bar. We are also working on rolling out the new video and screen sharing capabilities we demoed separately and will keep you posted on that timeline."

ChatGPT’s advanced Voice Mode can understand and respond with emotions and non-verbal cues, bringing AI closer to real-time, natural conversations. OpenAI's mission is to thoughtfully introduce these new experiences.

In addition to Voice Mode, OpenAI is developing new video and screen-sharing capabilities, part of a broader strategy to expand ChatGPT’s functionality and maintain its competitive edge in the evolving AI landscape.

In May, OpenAI announced plans to release a new AI model, GPT-4o, which will support realistic voice conversation and interaction across text and images.