OpenAI has announced that it will be temporarily halting the use of one of the voices in ChatGPT due to comparisons with Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson. Some users noted similarities between the voice option named Sky and Johansson’s voice, particularly after an update that made ChatGPT more conversational and, according to some, even flirtatious.
The company clarified that Sky’s voice is not an imitation of Scarlett Johansson but belongs to a different professional actress using her natural speaking voice. OpenAI emphasized that AI voices should not deliberately mimic a celebrity’s distinctive voice and has a rigorous process for selecting voice actors.
The new AI model, GPT-4o, was recently unveiled, promising more human-like responses from ChatGPT’s voices. However, the updated features have not been rolled out yet but are expected to be available to paying Chat-GPT subscribers in the coming weeks.
OpenAI addressed concerns about the voices in ChatGPT and reassured users that steps are being taken to address any issues raised. The company aims to provide a diverse range of voices while respecting voice actors’ privacy and ensuring the quality of the AI-powered conversations.
This development showcases OpenAI’s commitment to improving the ChatGPT experience and maintaining transparency in the selection of voices for the platform. Users can expect further updates and enhancements as the company works to enhance the conversational capabilities of ChatGPT moving forward.