OpenAI, the developer of the ChatGPT chatbot, announced that it will launch a new AI model called "GPT-40," capable of realistic voice conversation and handling texts and images. This is the latest step taken by the Microsoft-backed company to stay ahead in the race to dominate this emerging technology.
The new voice capabilities allow users to speak to ChatGPT and receive real-time responses without any delays, as well as interrupting while speaking, both of which are distinctive features of real conversations that earlier AI voice assistant services struggled to achieve. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, wrote in a blog post, "It feels like AI is a fantasy... Speaking to a computer has never felt natural to me, and now it does."
Competing in a rapidly evolving landscape, OpenAI faces increasing pressure to expand the user base of ChatGPT, the widely popular chatbot that impressed the world with its ability to generate human-like written content and write computer code. During a live conference, OpenAI researchers showcased the new voice assistant capabilities of ChatGPT.
In one demonstration, ChatGPT utilized its visual and audio capabilities to converse with a researcher to solve a mathematical equation on paper. In another demo, researchers highlighted the GPT-40 model's ability to translate in real-time. The demonstrations presented by OpenAI appeared almost like science fiction, as ChatGPT engaged in banter with its human counterpart at one point. An OpenAI researcher mentioned to the chatbot that he was in a great mood because it was showing "how helpful and amazing you are," to which ChatGPT responded, "Stop it! You're making me blush!"
Mira Murati, Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, stated at the event that the new model will be released for free as it is more cost-effective than previous models. However, she clarified that the paid version of "GPT-40" will be more extensive than the free one. The company announced that "GPT-40" will be available in the coming weeks. Shortly after its launch in late 2022, ChatGPT was classified as the fastest app to reach 100 million monthly active users.
