OpenAI has rolled out an update to its Advanced Voice Mode feature in ChatGPT, enhancing responsiveness during voice conversations and reducing interruptions when users pause.

This update is accessible to all users, including those without a subscription, while personality enhancements are reserved for paying subscribers.

Subscribers across various tiers, such as Plus, Teams, Edu, Business, and Pro, will benefit from fewer interruptions and a more engaging AI personality.

Users can also switch between Advanced Voice Mode and standard voice mode, although transitions from text or standard voice mode to Advanced Voice Mode are not supported.

Launched at the end of 2024, the Advanced Voice Mode utilizes the GPT-4o model, integrating text, vision, and audio processing for improved interaction efficiency.

Daily limits on audio input and output apply, and users will revert to standard mode if these limits are exceeded or if hardware requirements are unmet.

To activate the Advanced Voice Mode, users can click the wave icon located to the right of the message box, and manage microphone settings through an icon at the bottom left.

The Advanced Voice Mode is designed to adapt its tone based on user emotions, providing gentle responses when users feel down and cheerful ones when they are optimistic.

The voice assistant now requires iOS version 16.4 or later to utilize the new voice mode features.

A recent study by OpenAI and MIT Media Lab raised concerns about the emotional impact of frequent AI interactions, suggesting that heavy users may experience increased loneliness and dependence on technology.

This research highlights the potential long-term effects of anthropomorphic AI on human behavior and emotional health, prompting questions about how such interactions influence users' well-being.

The update is viewed as a strategic move for ChatGPT to maintain its competitive edge over rivals like Gemini Live, which faces usability challenges.