OpenAI’s ChatGPT introduces a new update, offering free access to its voice chat feature for all mobile app users. This announcement coincides with the company’s recent turbulence following the unexpected departure of CEO Sam Altman
Amidst the recent upheaval at OpenAI following the sudden termination of Sam Altman as its CEO, the company has unveiled a new update for ChatGPT. The widely-used AI tool, credited with OpenAI’s popularity, now offers a previously paid voice chat feature for free. Notably, this feature is exclusive to ChatGPT mobile app users, as the web version does not yet support voice chat.
To access the feature, users can navigate to the ChatGPT mobile app and locate the headphone icon on the right, next to the prompt box. Clicking on the icon prompts a pop-up introducing the Chat with Voice feature, allowing users to choose from various voice options to customize ChatGPT’s speaking style. Once configured, users can interact with ChatGPT using their voice.
The announcement was accompanied by a demo video on X, where the OpenAI team humorously acknowledged the challenges faced since Altman’s departure, playfully commenting on the “long night” they’ve had. The video also highlights the current workforce at OpenAI, standing at 778 employees.
Meanwhile, the aftermath of Altman’s firing has left OpenAI in a state of flux, with over 95% of the company’s employees reportedly threatening to resign unless Altman is reinstated. On the flip side, Satya Nadella announced that Altman, along with other terminated OpenAI employees, will be joining Microsoft to lead a new AI-focused team.
The chief scientist and co-founder of OpenAI, Ilya Sutskever, expressed deep regret for his role in Altman’s exit, pledging to do everything in his power to reunite the company. Altman’s dismissal was officially attributed to inconsistencies in his communication with the board, impeding its ability to fulfill its responsibilities, as stated in a blog post by OpenAI.
