ChatGPT’s voice chat: A new era of interaction

2024 is shaping up to be the year consumer AI really hits its stride. We’ve got Microsoft Copilot (formerly known as Bing with some AI extras) and Google Gemini trying to steal the spotlight. 

But the real star of the show? It’s got to be the latest upgrade to ChatGPT, lovingly dubbed GPT-4o. This bad boy isn’t just about crunching numbers and spitting out text — it’s multimodal, meaning it can handle both text and image creation, and it’s got a sweet new voice chat feature exclusively for ChatGPT Plus subscribers.

This time around, let’s explore ChatGPT’s advanced voice chat option within 4o as well as some current and upcoming voice chat options from other companies. Using a voice chat option is like having a real conversation with AI, opening doors for brainstorming sessions, storytelling magic, educational breakthroughs, and a whole lot more. 

ChatGPT-4o’s voice chat feature

Imagine chatting with an AI that doesn’t just spit out words like a robot but actually sounds like it’s got a pulse. That’s the magic of advanced voice chat — it takes basic text-to-speech and levels it up with some snazzy conversational pacing and context-aware responses. It’s like having a virtual assistant who’s not just reading off a script but actually “gets” the vibe of the conversation. Whether you’re multitasking like a boss or just need a buddy to bounce ideas off while you cook, this feature’s got your back, sounding less like a machine and more like your geeky, know-it-all friend.

Watch OpenAI’s live demo of advanced voice chat to better understand how it works.

How to use ChatGPT-4o voice chat on iPhone and Android

First things first, as of the time of writing this, the advanced voice chat feature is currently in limited alpha release for some ChatGPT Plus users. If you have Plus, you should get an email from OpenAI when you have access, or you can do what I did and just fire up the app on your iOS or Android device and see what happens. 

All right, let’s get on with this. Here’s what to do:

1. Download and Install: If you don’t already have it, grab the ChatGPT app from your app store.
2. Open the App.
3. Log In.
4. Select the GPT-4o Model: Because you deserve the best.
5. Grant Microphone Permissions: ChatGPT needs to hear your sweet voice, so don’t be shy.
6. Enable Voice Chat: If you have advanced voice chat, you’ll see a little headphones icon next to the chat window. Click on that and, voilà! The screen will shift, the text box will disappear, and it’s just you and the AI having a chat.

If that all works, then you’re good to go! So go ahead and start talking. When you’re ready to wrap things up, tap the red X. You’ll still get a transcript of your chat, so no worries about missing out. If you’re the multitasking type, here’s a pro tip: enable Background Conversations in settings so you can chat away while you’re scrolling through social media or checking emails. Just hit those two lines in the top left, tap the three dots next to your profile, and toggle that option on. Easy peasy.

And if you don’t have access quite yet, don’t worry. OpenAI should be opening up the voice chat to all Plus users soon.

For more information on the Advanced Voice Chat feature, check out OpenAI’s FAQ. 

Reasons to use AI voice chat instead of text chat

Sure, voice chat might seem like just another shiny gadget (and yeah, it kind of is), but don’t write it off just yet. This feature actually packs some serious punch, turning the AI into a much more versatile sidekick. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Hands-free interaction: Think of it like your Amazon Echo or Google Home, but with way more brainpower. Whether you’re flipping pancakes, binge-watching, or getting your sweat on, ChatGPT’s voice chat is ready to dish out info or answer questions on the fly. Plus, it’s got the smarts to remember your previous queries — something those other voice assistants can’t quite pull off (at least not yet).

• Accessibility and versatility: Voice chat opens up a whole new world for anyone who finds reading or typing difficult. It’s like rolling out the red carpet for more people to tap into the power of generative AI. 

• Creative brainstorming: Unlike text-based chats, voice chat feels like you’re hashing out ideas with a buddy. It’s quicker and more natural, and sometimes just saying things out loud can spark the kind of creativity that typing just can’t.

• Language practice: Whether you’re tackling a new language or just brushing up, ChatGPT’s got your back. You can practice your speaking and listening, get tips on pronunciation, or even quiz yourself on vocabulary — all without leaving the comfort of your conversation.

• Study buddy: Need help before an exam? Voice chat can quiz you, explain concepts, and even throw in a few curveballs to test your knowledge. Just don’t lean too hard on it for accuracy—it’s smart, but not infallible.

• Emotionally engaging conversations: Whether you need a pep talk or just some chill advice, the AI’s got the emotional range to keep things feeling human. Having a real conversation is way cooler than just reading text on a screen.

And these are just the basics. If you’ve discovered any other cool ways to use voice chat, I’d  love to hear about it in the comments.

How I’ve found voice ChatGPT useful

I’ve been tinkering with the advanced voice chat features of ChatGPT-4o since it dropped, and I’ve got to say, it’s pretty impressive. I went with the “Cove” voice, which has this chill, human-like vibe — way better than what you’d get from Alexa or Siri. It even sneaks in an “um” now and then to sound more natural. Sure, that might get on your nerves at times, but there’s no denying it makes the voice feel less like you’re chatting with a robot.

Here’s a little taste of how I’ve been putting it to use:

• Diagnosing a plumbing issue: My washing machine supply valves were leaking, so I reached for my phone and asked ChatGPT for help. It gave me a quick, solid rundown on what might be going wrong and suggested a fix that actually worked without having to dig through a mess of search engine results.

• Answering kids’ questions: You know all the questions kids ask, from the downright silly to the profound. While hanging out with a younger family member, I let them ask ChatGPT all those pressing questions, such as “Why is the sky blue?” and “Why do cats use their claws while dogs don’t?” (And even I learned something new!)

• Brainstorming historical mysteries: I was researching a historical figure and asked why he might have been hospitalized in 1849. ChatGPT threw out some ideas I hadn’t considered, and our back-and-forth really helped me get a better grip on the situation. Sure, I could have typed it all out in the regular chat, but talking it through was faster and sparked more ideas, as I could quickly respond with follow-up questions.

• On-the-spot translation: Recently, I had a worker at my house who only spoke Spanish, a language I do not speak. He was using Google Translate but had to type everything he wanted to say, and then I had to read the response. I fired up ChatGPT voice on my phone and was able to speak and have ChatGPT respond aloud to the translation, which was much faster.

• Spinning stories: I fed the voice chat a simple story premise and a few characters, and it came back with a pretty clever narrative. It even paused for my input, and together we whipped up a fun tale that kept me entertained for over an hour. It’s the kind of thing that could make a long car ride with kids — or by yourself — a lot more entertaining.

• Sourcing information: Curious about its handling of online content, I asked ChatGPT how to avoid online fraud, based on articles from Namecheap.com. It delivered a thorough set of tips and even cited the exact articles when I asked for sources.
• Getting the news: I had ChatGPT read me an article about Simone Biles and the US Women’s Gymnastics team winning the gold medal. It pulled the article from People Magazine and read it out loud, identifying the source when I asked.

The more I use this feature, the more I see its potential. It’s not just a gimmick — it’s a legit tool that can make life a bit easier and a lot more fun.

The one caveat to all of these uses is that currently, there appears to be a limit to how many queries you can make (and that number will likely keep changing). So, for some things, one or two queries are sufficient, and you don’t need to worry about it, but with the translations I did, I did run into the limit unexpectedly. As time goes on, I expect OpenAI will increase these limits to make the app more effective.

What about other voice assistants?

Advanced voice chat in ChatGPT-4o is like taking AI to the next level, but ChatGPT isn’t the only player stepping up its voice game. Let’s check out what’s brewing with some of the other big names in the voice assistant world.

• Google’s Gemini Live: Google Gemini’s new voice chat, known as Gemini Live, offers a practical and natural way to interact with AI on Android and Pixel devices. Whether you’re managing tasks or just chatting, Gemini pulls information from apps like Calendar and Keep, making interactions more streamlined and personalized with features like customizable voices and AI-enhanced photo tools. To use Gemini Live, you’ll need to have an Android device with at least 6GB of RAM, the latest Google Messages app, and a personal Google Account. You’ll also need to be 18 or over and have RCS chats enabled.

• Apple’s Siri: OpenAI and Apple have teamed up to supercharge Siri, bringing some serious AI muscle to the table. This fall, iOS 18 is dropping, and with it, Siri will get a makeover that makes it more natural, context-savvy, and downright personal. You’ll be able to seamlessly switch between typing and talking, and Siri will keep up with multiple requests without missing a beat. It’ll even handle more complex tasks like adding an address from Messages to a contact card. Plus, Siri is getting a sleek new design with a glowing light around the screen edge — fancy, right? And here’s the kicker: Siri will tap into ChatGPT for those tricky “world knowledge” questions, so you’re covered on all fronts. But, heads up — these cool new features will only roll out to the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and the latest iPads and Macs with M1 chips or later.
• Samsung’s Bixby: Samsung is also stepping up its game with an upgraded Bixby, powered by its own AI models. This update, announced by Samsung’s mobile division head TM Roh, is part of a broader push to sprinkle more AI magic across Samsung’s devices. Bixby’s getting generative AI smarts to whip up answers and even images on the fly. Even though Bixby’s leveling up, Samsung’s still playing nice with other voice assistants, so you can pick and choose which one you want to use on your devices. This all ties into Samsung’s bigger plan to weave AI into its premium products and keep you hooked.
• Amazon’s Alexa: Over at Amazon, they’re gearing up to launch a new, souped-up version of Alexa, set to drop in August. This upgraded Alexa won’t just sit around waiting for you to say “Alexa” over and over — it’s going to learn your routines, handle complex tasks like writing emails, and even order takeout without you lifting a finger. But there’s a catch: the most advanced features will come with a price tag, rumored to be between $5 and $10 per month on top of your Prime membership. Amazon’s goal? To make Alexa smarter, more proactive, and ready to go head-to-head with the likes of ChatGPT, Google, and Apple’s latest Siri updates.

The future of AI voice chat

The future of Voice AI looks pretty wild, and it’s set to shake up how we interact with tech every day. Imagine your AI assistant really understanding you and your needs, thanks to smart machine learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) upgrades. We’re talking about AI that can handle your daily grind, like reminding you to take your meds or navigating your apps without you lifting a finger.

And it doesn’t stop there. Whether you’re cruising through your favorite mobile apps or dealing with customer service, voice commands will make everything smoother and way more efficient. Gamers, get ready for AI that can talk back with dynamic dialogue, making your in-game experience more immersive than ever. Businesses are also jumping on the bandwagon, using voice AI to streamline things like scheduling and payments. With the power of large language models (LLMs) behind it, this tech will only get better, making your interactions feel more natural and spot-on.

In short, voice AI is stepping up its game and is about to become a major player in our tech lives. Buckle up — it’s going to be a fun ride!

If you’re curious about how to use AI to help you build your next website, Namecheap’s got you covered with our guide to using AI for websites and WordPress.