ChatGPT, the popular AI language model developed by OpenAI, is making strides towards becoming the default voice assistant on Android devices. The recent beta release of ChatGPT includes a new feature that allows a select group of users to transform the AI into their device’s primary voice assistant. This update has been shared by industry insider Mishaal Rahman on X (formerly known as Twitter), who even posted a live video demonstrating the functionality.
To access this feature, users with the ChatGPT beta version need to add a shortcut to the ChatGPT Assistant in their Android’s Quick Settings panel. Once added, tapping on the ChatGPT entry activates a new user interface that appears as a plain white circle at the bottom of the screen. Users can then verbally prompt the assistant, and after a short delay of about 15 seconds, it responds with an answer. During this wait time, the white circle displays a bubbling animation to indicate that the AI is generating a reply. Users can also interrupt ChatGPT by tapping the screen, causing the circle to turn black.
While the full onboarding process for this feature is still unknown, it is reported that users will have the option to choose a voice when they first launch ChatGPT. OpenAI offers three male and two female voices for users to preview on their website. Once the voice selection is made, the assistant will launch as usual, with the white circle in place.
Users interested in trying out this update will need a subscription to ChatGPT Plus, priced at $20 per month. They will also require either ChatGPT for Android version 1.2024.017 or .018 installed on their device. In the Beta Features section of ChatGPT’s Settings menu, users should find the option to activate the new voice assistant feature. However, it should be noted that this access is limited to a specific group of individuals.
Although currently it is not possible to set ChatGPT as the default voice assistant, there are indications that this functionality might be introduced in the future. Lines of code found in a ChatGPT patch from January suggest that this feature is being considered. Further information regarding the expansion of the beta’s availability is expected from OpenAI in due course.
In summary, ChatGPT is stepping up its plan to become the go-to voice assistant on Android devices. With the recent beta release, a select group of users can now experiment with using ChatGPT as their device’s default voice assistant, bringing AI language capabilities to their everyday tasks.
