OpenAI recently released a spring update for ChatGPT, which includes the highly anticipated advanced voice mode and desktop application. However, the launch of new features was not smooth sailing. The voice mode caused controversy due to its highly anthropomorphic characteristics and was delayed, while the desktop application successfully landed on the macOS system and is free to all users. This move reflects the complex relationship between innovation, safety and ethics in the development of AI technology.
OpenAI announced a slew of new features for ChatGPT during its spring update event, most notably an advanced speech mode and desktop app. However, the release of these features has not been smooth.
Advanced Voice Mode has sparked controversy due to its resemblance to the virtual character played by Scarlett Johansson in the movie Her. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said it has "human-level response times and performance." Powered by GPT-4, the feature is able to observe and respond to the user's surroundings in real time and conduct more natural conversations.
The voice mode, originally planned to be rolled out to all ChatGPT Plus users "in the coming weeks," has been postponed. OpenAI says it will take another month to reach its standards and is currently rolling out an alpha version to only a small group of Plus users. The company is focusing on improving the ability to "detect and reject certain content" and plans to make it available to all Plus users in the fall.
Picture source note: The picture is generated by AI, and the picture authorization service provider Midjourney
Also delayed are new video and screen sharing features. OpenAI said the specific release schedule will depend on meeting its high security and reliability standards.
In contrast, ChatGPT’s desktop app has been launched to macOS users as scheduled. Users can quickly access ChatGPT from anywhere by pressing the Option and Space keys simultaneously. A Windows version is expected to be released later this year.
Previously, the app was only available to paid subscribers of ChatGPT Plus. Now, all Mac users can download and try the app for free, regardless of whether they are a paying member of ChatGPT.
These delays and controversies highlight the challenges faced by the rapid development of AI technology, and OpenAI needs to weigh safety and ethical issues while advancing innovation.
Official website: https://openai.com/chatgpt/mac/
All in all, OpenAI demonstrated its technical strength in the update of ChatGPT, but also exposed its shortcomings in security and ethics. In the future, how to strike a balance between rapid development and robustness and security will be an important topic that OpenAI and the entire AI industry need to continue to explore.