TLDR:
- OpenAI is allowing businesses and developers to integrate its real-time voice assistant into their applications
- The voice feature is similar to the one available to paying ChatGPT users
- Companies like Healthify and Speak have already been testing the new voice capability
- This announcement came during OpenAI’s developer event in San Francisco
- OpenAI is focusing on showcasing API capabilities rather than introducing a new AI model
OpenAI, the company behind the popular ChatGPT, has made its real-time voice assistant technology available to businesses and developers.
This move, announced on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at a developer event in San Francisco, allows for the integration of OpenAI’s voice capabilities into a wide range of third-party applications.
The new feature, which is similar to the voice assistant currently available to paying ChatGPT users, will be accessible through OpenAI’s application programming interface (API). This development opens up possibilities for creating various AI-powered voice applications, from customer service bots to travel apps capable of making phone calls on behalf of users.
Several companies have already begun testing the new voice capability. Health coaching app Healthify and language learning platform Speak are among the early adopters, showcasing the potential for diverse implementations across different sectors.
During a press briefing, OpenAI employees demonstrated the new voice feature using a fictional travel app. The demonstration showed how the app could place a call to a made-up business and order chocolate-covered strawberries while staying within a specified budget.
This illustration highlighted the seamless integration of OpenAI’s voice technology with other services, such as Twilio’s cloud communications API.
The rollout of this voice capability is part of a series of updates announced at OpenAI’s developer event. Unlike last year’s conference, where the company introduced a new AI model, this year’s focus is on showcasing enhanced API capabilities and engaging with its growing developer community.
OpenAI reports that approximately 3 million developers are currently working with its software globally.
This expansion of voice AI access comes at a time when OpenAI is looking to maintain its edge in an increasingly competitive AI software market. The company is reportedly seeking to close a large funding round and has recently experienced several high-ranking departures, including Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati.
OpenAI’s decision to open up its voice assistant technology to third-party developers marks a significant step in the democratization of AI capabilities.
It allows for the creation of more sophisticated and interactive AI applications across various industries, potentially transforming how businesses and consumers interact with technology.
However, this development also raises questions about privacy and disclosure. OpenAI has stated that while it doesn’t mandate specific ways for developers to inform users about AI interactions, its usage policies require general disclosure of AI use unless it’s obvious from the type of exchange.
The San Francisco event is the first of three planned gatherings, with additional events scheduled in London and Singapore.
