ChatGPT’s Voice Chat Feature Goes Free, Ready to Rival Siri
OpenAI has made a major move in the battle of artificial intelligence (AI) assistants by offering its voice chat feature on ChatGPT for free to all OpenAI account users. Previously limited to those on paid plans, the ChatGPT Voice feature has the potential to revolutionize how people interact with AI chatbots. The announcement comes as OpenAI dealt with a tumultuous weekend that involved CEO changes. While Apple’s Siri struggles to keep up, ChatGPT’s voice capabilities could give it a run for its money.
ChatGPT Voice was first launched in September, but it was exclusively available to paid users on the Plus and Enterprise tiers of ChatGPT. Free users were left wanting more. However, that has now changed as OpenAI has made the feature accessible to anyone with an OpenAI account, effectively democratizing voice-enabled chatbots. Users can now engage in back-and-forth conversations with their AI assistant, whether they’re on the go, requesting a bedtime story, or settling a dinner table debate.
The process of using ChatGPT Voice is incredibly simple. Users just need to open the ChatGPT app, tap the headphones button, and start speaking. It has been receiving rave reviews and outshining Siri in terms of performance and functionality.
OpenAI’s co-founder, Greg Brockman, who himself had a brief absence from the company, announced that voice conversations would now be available to all OpenAI accounts, whether paid or not. The news was accompanied by a short video showcasing the feature and referencing the recent upheaval at OpenAI.
But the impact of ChatGPT Voice goes beyond offering an alternative to Siri. It integrates seamlessly with Apple’s Shortcuts app, allowing users to initiate voice chats with a simple tap. By creating a shortcut with ChatGPT’s action, iPhone users can quickly replace Siri with a more versatile AI assistant. While it may not control smart home devices like turning lights on or off, ChatGPT excels at answering questions, providing information, and engaging in dynamic voice conversations. If this is a taste of what Apple’s rumored 2024 AI push will bring to iOS 18 and the iPhone 16, users can hardly contain their excitement.
Fortunately for Siri loyalists, configuring the Action button to launch ChatGPT Voice doesn’t mean saying goodbye to Apple’s digital assistant altogether. Siri can still handle mundane tasks like setting timers, leaving the more sophisticated capabilities to ChatGPT.
As ChatGPT’s voice chat feature becomes available to a wider audience, Apple’s Siri faces increasing pressure to raise its game. The battle for dominance in the AI assistant space is heating up, with ChatGPT poised to become a formidable contender. With its user-friendly interface and expanded capabilities, ChatGPT Voice could be a game-changer in the era of conversational AI.
In conclusion, OpenAI’s decision to make ChatGPT’s voice chat feature free for all OpenAI account holders has raised the bar for voice-enabled chatbots, challenging the dominance of Apple’s Siri. As users embrace the convenience and flexibility of ChatGPT Voice, the AI assistant landscape is entering a new phase of competition and innovation.
