OpenAI, the tech company behind ChatGPT, has rolled out a new feature called "Advanced Voice Mode." This update allows users to engage in more natural, spoken conversations with the chatbot. Here’s a simple guide on how to activate this feature, what it is, and why it’s a big deal for ChatGPT users.
What is Advanced Voice Mode in ChatGPT?
Advanced Voice Mode allows users to have spoken conversations with ChatGPT, which makes interactions feel more natural and conversational. Unlike typing your questions or responses, you can now speak to ChatGPT and receive spoken answers in return. There are two types of voice modes currently available in ChatGPT: standard voice and advanced voice.
Standard Voice Mode: This mode was introduced last month and uses several large language models (LLMs) to function. In this mode, ChatGPT transcribes what you say into text and then uses its models to generate a response. It’s less complex than advanced voice mode but still allows for spoken interactions. It uses GPT-4o alongside GPT-4o mini and counts towards your message limits.
Advanced Voice Mode: This is where the real magic happens. Advanced voice mode uses GPT-4o's native audio capabilities, making conversations more natural and lifelike. This mode can pick up non-verbal cues such as the speed at which you are talking and can even respond with emotion. It’s designed to make interactions smoother and more dynamic. However, this feature is currently only available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, with a limited amount of daily usage.
How to Activate Voice Mode in ChatGPT
In July, OpenAI began testing this new feature with a small group of ChatGPT Plus users. The company plans to make it available to all subscribers in the near future. Here’s how to activate it once you get access:
Wait for Notification: If you’re a Plus subscriber, you’ll receive an email notifying you that Advanced Voice Mode is available to you. After that, you can start using it.
Turn On Voice Mode: Open the ChatGPT app, and tap the voice icon located in the bottom-right corner of your screen. If you are using the advanced voice mode, a blue orb will appear in the center of your screen when the conversation begins. For standard voice mode, the orb will be black.
Switch Between Standard and Advanced Voice Mode: Once the feature is activated, you can toggle between standard and advanced voice modes at the top of the app when using ChatGPT’s voice feature.
Using Advanced Voice Mode
Once you’ve activated the voice mode, here’s how to get started:
Start a Conversation: Simply tap the voice icon and begin speaking. ChatGPT will respond with its voice, creating a more dynamic conversation.
Mute/Unmute: During the conversation, you can mute or unmute yourself by tapping the microphone icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen. When you’re done, tap the exit icon in the bottom-right to end the conversation.
Pick Your Voice: If it’s your first time using advanced voice mode, you’ll be prompted to pick a voice. Keep in mind that the volume in the selector might be different from what you’ll hear during the conversation, so be sure to adjust it later if needed. You can also change the voice anytime by going into the settings or through the customization menu in the top-right corner of the conversation screen.
Watch the Limit: For advanced voice users, there is a daily limit. If you’re nearing the limit, a notification will appear, telling you how much time you have left. Once you hit the limit, you can switch to standard voice mode to continue your conversation.
Additional Tips
Give Microphone Permissions: Make sure the ChatGPT app has permission to use your device’s microphone. Without this, you won’t be able to activate the voice feature.
Personalize Your Experience: Advanced voice mode allows for more personalization. It can respond to interruptions, humor, and even emotional cues, making conversations feel more human-like. You can also customize the voice used by ChatGPT to better suit your preferences.
Conclusion
Advanced Voice Mode in ChatGPT is an exciting new feature that brings a more natural and conversational way to interact with the chatbot. If you’re a Plus subscriber, keep an eye out for the email notifying you when the feature becomes available. Once activated, it’s simple to use and enhances the way you can interact with ChatGPT, making conversations smoother, more lifelike, and easier than ever.