ChatGPT Introduces New Voice Feature

OpenAI's recent launch of the GPT-4o "omni" model in May has significantly boosted the revenue of its ChatGPT app, which achieved a record $28 million in net revenue in July alone. This figure, derived from data by app intelligence firm Appfigures, reflects a 40% increase in revenue following the model's introduction, which enhanced the app's capabilities to handle text, speech, and video. Notably, the App Store contributed 83% of the app's revenue, marking a 20% increase since June. The GPT-4o model has transformed user interactions with ChatGPT, allowing for faster response times and more natural conversations. The app's growth trajectory has continued, with an estimated addition of 2 million new paying subscribers in July, setting a new record for the mobile platform. The advanced voice mode, which mimics lifelike speech and can respond in real-time, is set to roll out to paid users starting Tuesday, with broader availability planned for the fall. This new voice feature aims to position ChatGPT as a more personal virtual assistant, potentially challenging established players like Apple and Amazon. However, the rollout raises questions about the AI's ability to understand diverse speech patterns and the implications of users placing trust in a human-like assistant. OpenAI has conducted extensive testing to ensure the voice mode's reliability and safety, addressing concerns about generating harmful content. Despite initial plans for a June launch, OpenAI delayed the rollout to refine the tool's performance. The advanced voice mode will differ from earlier demos, as the company has decided to discontinue a voice that some believed resembled actress Scarlett Johansson, following her concerns.