OpenAI has rolled out updates to its AI voice assistant, making it more engaging and less likely to interrupt you while speaking. The latest improvements to Advanced Voice Mode aim to create a smoother and more natural experience when having real-time conversations with ChatGPT.
The announcement was made on June 24 by Manuka Stratta, a post-training researcher at OpenAI, through a video posted on the company’s official social media channels. The update addresses a common frustration with AI voice assistants—the tendency to interrupt users when they pause to think or take a breath. Now, ChatGPT’s voice assistant allows for more natural pauses without breaking the flow of conversation.
A better experience for free and paying users
All ChatGPT users, including those on the free tier, can now enjoy a more refined version of Advanced Voice Mode. This update ensures the AI does not cut in when users pause mid-sentence.
The voice assistant is now even more advanced for paying subscribers—including those on OpenAI’s Plus, Teams, Edu, Business, and Pro plans. In addition to fewer interruptions, it has been upgraded to sound more direct, engaging, and creative in its responses. An OpenAI spokesperson told TechCrunch that the improved AI voice assistant is now “more concise, specific, and engaging in its answers.”
These enhancements are part of OpenAI’s ongoing effort to make AI-powered conversations feel more human-like. The company continues to refine how the AI assistant interacts, making it more intuitive for users who rely on voice interactions.
Competition in AI voice technology is heating up
The update comes as OpenAI faces growing competition in the AI voice assistant space. Startups and tech giants are pushing for more natural and intelligent voice interactions.
One emerging competitor is Sesame, a startup backed by Andreessen Horowitz and co-founded by Brendan Iribe, who previously helped launch Oculus. Sesame’s AI voice assistants, Maya and Miles, have recently gained attention for their remarkably lifelike speech.
Meanwhile, Amazon is preparing to launch a new version of Alexa powered by a large language model (LLM), aiming to enhance its AI capabilities and compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. As the market for AI-driven voice assistants expands, OpenAI’s latest improvements signal its commitment to staying ahead.
With these updates, ChatGPT’s voice assistant is becoming more natural, responsive, and enjoyable to chat with—giving users a better experience using the free or paid version.
