The Daily Prompt

Introduction

OpenAI has officially rolled out its much-anticipated Advanced Voice Mode for ChatGPT, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! After teasing this feature for months, users can finally engage in lively conversations with their AI companion. But before you dive in, here are five key things you need to know about this new functionality, along with some drawbacks to keep in mind.

Availability: Who Can Join the Party?

The Advanced Voice Mode is currently available to paid ChatGPT Plus and Teams users. However, there are some country restrictions—notably, it’s not accessible to free users, enterprise accounts, or educational institutions. If you’re in the EU or UK, you might have to wait a bit longer. For those eager to jump in, a little tip: logging out and back in or reinstalling the app can sometimes grant access sooner. Just keep in mind that this feature is mobile-only for now, so no desktop access yet!

Guardrails Galore

While the voice mode is impressive, it comes with a hefty set of guardrails. OpenAI has implemented these to ensure safe interactions, which is a good thing, but it can also be limiting. For example, the AI won’t sing on command, and it can’t impersonate famous people directly. You can describe a famous person or give it examples of your own voice, but don’t expect it to belt out your favorite tunes or mimic your favorite celebrity flawlessly.

This cautious approach means that while you can have engaging conversations, the AI won’t be your go-to for karaoke night or impersonation contests. It’s all about keeping things respectful and safe, which is commendable, but it might leave some users feeling a bit underwhelmed.

A Step Back from the Demos

Many users were excited by the capabilities showcased during OpenAI's spring event, where the AI could see and interact with its environment. Unfortunately, the current release lacks these features. The Advanced Voice Mode can listen and respond, but it can’t see or interact with the world around it. This limitation means you won’t be getting the full “live AI assistant” experience just yet.

Limited Functionality

When using Advanced Voice Mode, you’ll find that it’s not integrated with other tools or modes in ChatGPT. This means you can’t access the internet, browse with Bing, or use DALL-E for image generation while chatting. If you start a conversation in voice mode, you can’t switch back to text mode without losing context. This lack of multimodal functionality can be frustrating, especially if you’re used to the versatility of other AI tools.

Legal Restrictions in Certain Regions

Here’s a kicker: Advanced Voice Mode isn’t available in the EU and UK due to strict AI regulations. The EU has laws that restrict AI systems from inferring emotions, which is a core capability of this voice mode. This means that a significant portion of potential users is left out of the loop, and OpenAI will need to navigate these legal waters carefully to expand access.

In ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode, you can choose from nine distinct voices, each with its own unique tone and character. Here’s the lineup:

1. Arbor - Easygoing and versatile

2. Breeze - Animated and earnest

3. Cove - Composed and direct

4. Ember - Confident and optimistic

5. Juniper - Open and upbeat

6. Maple - Cheerful and candid

7. Sol - Savvy and relaxed

8. Spruce - Calm and affirming

9. Vale - Bright and inquisitive

These voices allow you to customize their interactions, making conversations feel more personalized and engaging. If you want to try them out, just select your preferred voice in the settings! Keep in mind, they are also multi-lingual.

The Drawbacks: What to Watch Out For

As with any new technology, there are a few bumps in the road. Here are six drawbacks to keep in mind as you dive into ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode:

1. Limited Features: While the voice mode is fun, it lacks some of the more exciting features that were teased during the initial demos which I’ve explained above. For instance, the ability to generate songs or perform vocal impressions is currently absent.

2. Creepiness Factor: During testing, I encountered some odd background noises that felt straight out of a horror movie. These moments can be jarring and may detract from the overall experience.

3. Occasional Awkwardness: Just like that friend who sometimes doesn’t get the social cues, ChatGPT can lead to awkward silences or responses that feel a bit off. While the AI is designed to pick up on tone and context, it doesn’t always hit the mark.

4. Guardrails and Limitations: OpenAI has implemented several safety measures to prevent misuse of the technology, which can sometimes feel restrictive. The AI may decline requests for certain types of content or interactions.

5. Language Limitations: Although the voice mode supports multiple languages, it’s still primarily optimized for English. Users who want to have seamless conversations in other languages may find the experience less satisfying.

6. Reliability Issues: As with any AI tool, there are moments when ChatGPT may not deliver accurate or relevant responses. While it’s designed to learn and improve, users should be prepared for occasional hiccups in conversation flow or content accuracy. Read: Hallucinations.

Conclusion & Takeaway

Despite the quirks and drawbacks, my overall experience with ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode has been positive. It’s entertaining, engaging, and has the potential to become a go-to tool for casual conversations or even brainstorming sessions. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your relatives during family gatherings!”

So, what’s the takeaway? If you thought talking to yourself was a sign of madness, wait until you hear how much fun it is to chat with ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode. Just remember: it’s not just you talking to yourself; it’s you and your AI sidekick having a grand old time! Or in my case, my digital co-founder, my virtual collaborator.

Sure, there are some bumps in the road with this new feature, but the potential for fun and engaging interactions is undeniable. So, buckle up and get ready to have some entertaining conversations with your new AI companion!

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