Why has OpenAI removed this voice from ChatGPT?

OpenAI presented this month of May GPT-4o, the latest version of its language model. In particular, it stands out for having significantly improved interaction with humans, especially when compared to its predecessors. GPT-4o is also capable of answering our questions by voice (choosing from five different options) almost in real time. However, one of the voices has been unexpectedly withdrawn.

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Specifically, we are referring to Sky. OpenAI has temporarily removed the ability to use Sky within ChatGPT. The truth is that since its release, Sky’s voice had generated some confusion among users due to its tone being so similar to that of actress Scarlett Johansson in the movie Her. Let’s remember that in that movie, the protagonist (Joaquin Phoenix) falls in love with his virtual assistant (Johansson).

The first time OpenAI gave voice to ChatGPT was in September of 2023. Specifically, there were five: Breeze, Cove, Ember, Juniper, and Sky. However, the controversy with Sky erupted last Monday after the presentation and release of GPT 4o. As a result of the announcement, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman himself posted on X with the word “her“, in reference to the movie.

Due to the controversy caused, OpenAI has temporarily paused the use of Sky’s voice. After its removal, they published a statement explaining the origin of the voices used in ChatGPT. In this statement, the company clarified that “Sky’s voice is not an imitation of Scarlett Johansson” and that it belonged to another actress who used “her natural voice”.

OpenAI has also announced that, soon, ChatGPT Plus users will be able to access the new Voice Mode for GPT-4o in the coming weeks.

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