OpenAI has changed the release timeline for the revamped ChatGPT Voice Mode

OpenAI has announced it will delay the release of ChatGPT's highly anticipated Voice Mode, initially showcased during their Spring Update event in May 2024. The advanced feature, which promises a more natural and emotionally responsive AI conversation experience, would roll out as an alpha to a small group of ChatGPT Plus. However, following the modified timeline OpenAI will move forward with the alpha rollout no earlier than late July; regardless, the company is still planning to make the Voice Mode feature available to all Plus users this fall.

OpenAI claims that the delay stems from a need for additional time to improve the model's ability to "detect and refuse certain content", and to focus on enhancing the user experience and preparing their infrastructure to support millions of users while maintaining real-time responses. Although it is good that OpenAI is concerned with releasing the best possible product, the delay comes as OpenAI faces increasing competition from rivals like Anthropic, which recently released a new foundation model and is ramping up efforts to build a collaborative workspace around its chatbot service. OpenAI has recently faced increased criticism and several other challenges, including lawsuits and internal criticisms about safety measures and employee agreements.