OpenAI’s Voice Mode Feature for ChatGPT Delayed, Alpha Testing to Begin in July

OpenAI announced on Tuesday that it was delaying the release of its advanced voice mode for ChatGPT with emotional expressions and real-time responses. The artificial intelligence (AI) company showed off the feature during last month's Spring Updates event alongside its latest GPT-4o model. OpenAI now plans to begin alpha testing for the voice mode next month. The company did not share details about other features demonstrated at the event, such as real-time video processing and screen-sharing capabilities for its chatbot.

OpenAI delays release of GPT-4o features

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), OpenAI released an update on the advanced voice mode feature. As demonstrated last month, the feature is powered by GPT-4o and allows ChatGPT to respond to verbal requests and queries in real-time. The chatbot was also shown to modulate its voice, express emotions and even sing. This feature was one of the central announcements at the OpenAI event.

However, the company has now confirmed that it will not arrive before July. There are several reasons behind the delay, and OpenAI says it's working on the feature's ability to detect and reject certain content. It is also scaling its infrastructure to enable millions of users to access real-time voice responses without any delay.

The current plan is to roll out the feature to a small group of ChatGPT Plus users as part of their alpha testing program. Based on feedback and learnings, the AI ​​company plans to roll out the feature to all Plus users in the fall, without sharing a specific release timeline.

In addition, the company also acknowledged delays in the rollout of other features shown at the event. For example, ChatGPT's ability to view the environment through the user's video feed and interact with it in real time and screen sharing capabilities also do not have a release timeline. OpenAI said it will keep users informed about this.

Separately, the AI ​​firm on Tuesday released its ChatGPT app for macOS for all users. The app includes new features such as hotkeys for quick launch, uploading screenshots directly in the app, and support for standard voice mode.