OpenAI Previews Voice Engine with No Official Release Date
OpenAI recently revealed a glimpse of its new AI technology, Voice Engine, which has the capability to generate natural speech using a 15-second audio sample and text input. Despite this exciting development, OpenAI has not disclosed a specific release date for Voice Engine due to concerns about potential misuse of voice synthesis technology.
While pricing details for Voice Engine have not been officially announced, a close examination of OpenAI’s documentation suggests that the model may be priced at approximately $1 per hour of generated speech, which is significantly lower than competing services like ElevenLabs that charge around $11 for every 1 million characters.
However, the introduction of Voice Engine raises concerns about the impact on voice actors, who typically charge between $12 and $79 per hour of work. The widespread adoption of Voice Engine could potentially lead to a decrease in job opportunities for these professionals.
One of the primary concerns surrounding the release of Voice Engine is the potential for misuse, particularly during sensitive periods such as elections. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has already taken action to address instances of voice deepfakes being used for malicious purposes, prompting the ban of AI voice robocalls.
To address these concerns, OpenAI has indicated that it may implement real-time voice authentication measures to verify the identity of speakers using the technology. Additionally, the company emphasized the importance of educating the public about the risks associated with deceptive AI content and engaging with stakeholders to promote responsible AI development.
As OpenAI navigates the complex landscape of AI technology, it remains committed to fostering discussions and collaborations that prioritize ethical considerations and safeguard against potential misuse of advanced AI tools like Voice Engine.
