OpenAI has rolled out an update to its ChatGPT desktop app, incorporating a voice mode that enables users to interact with the AI assistant through voice commands. This new feature, known as ChatGPT Voice, leverages OpenAI's ChatGPT-Live voice models to provide a more intuitive and efficient way of controlling AI agents and performing tasks on a computer. The updated desktop app is now capable of handling complex commands, allowing users to dictate multiple steps and respond when the AI assistant needs their input. This development is expected to have significant implications for UK businesses and consumers, as it could boost productivity and efficiency in various sectors. For instance, developers can use ChatGPT Voice to create code, make pull requests, and troubleshoot bugs with a single command. Furthermore, users can integrate ChatGPT Voice with Codex, OpenAI's code completion tool, to access a wide range of programming languages and tools. The update also includes support for macOS, allowing users to let the app access their screen, including alt-text, using Appshots. This feature has the potential to revolutionise the way UK businesses operate, particularly those in the tech and software development sectors.
OpenAI is not the only company to have introduced voice-activated AI assistants. Anthropic, a rival AI firm, has also updated its voice mode for Claude, which can tap into the company's Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku models to complete tasks in popular apps like Gmail, Calendar, Slack, Notion, and Canva. The UK's data protection watchdog, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), has expressed concerns about the increasing use of AI and voice assistants, highlighting the need for robust data protection measures to safeguard user privacy. The EU's AI Act, currently under review, aims to regulate the development and use of AI systems, including voice assistants, to ensure they are transparent, explainable, and accountable. As the UK continues to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and voice technology, businesses and consumers must be aware of the potential implications and risks associated with these developments.