OpenAI is adding to the list of free features for ChatGPT. The AI chatbot can now read conversation messages out loud, but this only works for GPT’s responses rather than user messages.
On ChatGPT’s web version, there is a tiny loud speaker icon next to the copy button that will read the AI’s message out loud, no matter how large it is. Users on iOS and Android simply have to hold down the message until the drop-down menu appears. This drop-down menu will now include a “Read aloud” option.
ChatGPT can now read responses to you.
On iOS or Android, tap and hold the message and then tap “Read Aloud”. We’ve also started rolling on web – click the "Read Aloud" button below the message. pic.twitter.com/KevIkgAFbG
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) March 4, 2024
OpenAI has made the read-aloud voice as natural as possible and the results are evident as the text-to-speech voice does not sound robotic at all. However, the synthetic voice, as natural as it is, does not sound as convincing as ElvenLabs and the like – probably for cost reasons. ElvenLabs is an AI startup that specializes in creating AI voices tailored to specific needs.
Although it is disappointing to see no news of GPT 4.5 or GPT 5, a free addition to ChatGPT’s arsenal of features is welcome as well. Anthropic, on the other hand, has released its latest family of Claude 3 AI models that rival GPT 4.
Recently Added Free Features
The last few free features added to ChatGPT include custom instructions, allowing users to set specific guidelines for their interactions with ChatGPT. By customizing instructions, users can steer the AI to better suit their conversation or task needs.
Additionally, the browsing feature, which was initially available for Plus users, has recently been updated to allow Plus users on mobile devices to access comprehensive answers and insights on current events and information beyond the model’s training data.
Last year, OpenAI also enabled voice input for free users following the abrupt CEO ouster turmoil. This allowed ChatGPT mobile users to tap on the headphone icon and input prompts using their voice. The AI chatbot also responds to voice input with its own text-to-speech voice.
Located at the chat screen’s bottom right corner, the headphones symbol provides access to five distinct voice options: Juniper, Cove, Breeze, Ember, and Sky, for voice outputs. While voice chats themselves are not stored in ChatGPT’s history, their text transcripts are preserved. Additionally, it’s possible to halt voice recordings at any moment.
Via: The Decoder
