Artificial Intelligence company OpenAI on Monday rolled out its AI model named GPT-4o. The latest model boasts the ability to engage in realistic voice conversations, complete with real-time responses and the capacity to handle interruptions, a feat previously deemed challenging for AI voice assistants.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed excitement, stating, “It feels like AI from the movies... Talking to a computer has never felt really natural for me; now it does.”
During a livestream event, OpenAI researchers showcased GPT-4o’s capabilities. In one demonstration, the AI utilised its vision and voice functionalities to guide a researcher through solving a math equation, while in another, it showcased real-time language translation prowess. The interactions bordered on science fiction, with instances of playful banter between ChatGPT and its human counterpart.
OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati, revealed that GPT-4o would be offered for free, citing its cost-effectiveness compared to previous models. Paid users will enjoy enhanced capacity limits. Additionally, free users of ChatGPT now have access to a “browse” feature, allowing the AI to fetch up-to-date information from the web, all without the intrusion of advertisements.
The announcement comes amidst growing competition in the AI landscape, with OpenAI facing pressure to expand ChatGPT’s user base. The decision to unveil GPT-4o just ahead of Alphabet’s annual Google developers’ conference points to the competitive nature of the industry. However, OpenAI’s plans to launch an AI-powered search product have been delayed, according to multiple media reports.
While OpenAI has seen fluctuations in traffic to ChatGPT’s website over the past year, recent analytics suggest a return to peak levels of engagement.
