OpenAI is once again introducing a new feature to its popular ChatGPT tool – advanced voice mode. Users around the world can now enjoy the ability to communicate with a model using their voice, significantly expanding the potential and convenience of using AI. Importantly, the new voice mode is much more natural and responsive.
Unfortunately, not everyone will have the opportunity to test this new feature. Residents of Poland and other European Union countries will have to wait before the advanced voice mode becomes available to them.
What is ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode?
Advanced Voice Mode is OpenAI’s next step toward voice interactions, which are becoming increasingly popular in consumer technology. In this mode, users can speak to ChatGPT, opening up new possibilities for more natural conversations, quick answers to questions, and complex voice commands.
The AI response time is very important in this case. In the new advanced ChatGPT voice mode, the delay is only 300 milliseconds, which corresponds to a natural conversation. Thanks to this, the virtual voice responses are lightning fast, which very suggestively suggests a conversation with another person. The intonation and emotions in the voice are also very important, which is at an extremely high level of reproducing the real sound of the human voice.
This technology is based on advanced speech processing algorithms and generating responses in real time. The user’s voice is processed and then converted into text, which is interpreted by the model, and then generates a response – whether text or voice – all in the blink of an eye, or rather an ear 😉
This makes interactions with ChatGPT more like talking to a real person, and the tool itself becomes even more useful. Advanced voice mode is available today for all ChatGPT Plus and Team subscription users. Unfortunately, not in Europe.
Why is voice mode not available in Poland?
Although the new voice mode is generating enthusiasm in many markets, there are legal obstacles that prevent its implementation in Poland and other European Union countries. The main problem is the strict regulations on privacy, especially the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which imposes high standards on companies in the processing of personal data.
Advanced Voice Mode, due to its operation, must process users’ voice data, which may raise concerns about GDPR compliance. Transferring voice data to OpenAI servers could potentially lead to improper storage or use of data, which would violate EU regulations.
Another challenge is the certification of AI technology in the context of European law (AI Act). The European Union has developed and introduced on August 1 regulations on artificial intelligence, which aim to strengthen the protection of personal data and transparency in the activities of AI companies. For this reason, OpenAI must work out some kind of agreement with the European Union so that citizens of the EU countries can use the new options from the AI giant. It is worth adding that for the same reason, Apple Intelligence will not be available in the European Union countries.
Where did Sky go?
Not so long ago, I described the drama that broke out between OpenAI and Scarlett Johansson. It was about the unauthorized use of her voice in the development of advanced ChatGPT voice modes. The voice of the assistant “Sky” was a twin of the characteristic gravelly voice of the American silver screen star. The actress eventually sent a letter (through her lawyers) asking OpenAI not to use her voice. The premiere of the new voice mode revealed that the voice “Sky” actually disappeared from the list of possible voices to choose from.
What’s next?
Although the advanced voice mode is currently not available in Poland, it is worth following the development of the situation. Given the dynamic development of technology and the possible adaptation of companies to European regulations, there is a chance that this function will appear in our country in the future. OpenAI will certainly work on adapting its tool to legal and technological requirements that will allow for the provision of new functions to users in Europe as well.
For now, however, users in Poland will have to be patient and use other advanced ChatGPT features that are available on the local market.
