OpenAI Halts Use of Scarlett Johansson-like Voice for ChatGPT AI Chatbot
OpenAI has made the decision to discontinue the use of a voice for its ChatGPT AI chatbot that strikingly resembled actress Scarlett Johansson's voice. This move comes after asserting that the voice actually belongs to a different actress and is not an impersonation. The decision has been made despite the voice being legally licensed and the similarity being only superficial. OpenAI collaborated with esteemed casting agencies to select the voices, and the new voice feature will soon be accessible to ChatGPT Plus users.
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI removed the voice "Sky" from ChatGPT due to its resemblance to Scarlett Johansson's voice.
- The voice is from a different actress, though OpenAI declines to reveal her identity.
- Scarlett Johansson's portrayal of the AI character "Samantha" in the movie "Her" served as an inspiration for OpenAI's AI assistant.
- OpenAI dedicated five months to working with casting agencies for voice selection and recorded them in June-July 2023.
- ChatGPT's new voice feature, featuring smoother conversation handling, will soon be accessible to Plus users.
Analysis
OpenAI's choice to suspend the ChatGPT voice feature, allegedly similar to Scarlett Johansson's, may stem from legal pressures or a desire to distance themselves from potential likeness issues. This decision could have repercussions on the AI industry, potentially prompting companies to be more vigilant in voice selection and licensing. The impact of this move could extend to casting agencies, voice actors, and related legal teams.
In the immediate future, OpenAI's shift to alternate voices may lead to delays in product releases and necessitate internal adaptations. In the long term, this event could stimulate innovation in AI voice generation, directing developers towards original or less contentious voices. Ultimately, this development may foster heightened scrutiny of AI voice creation, bearing potential implications for the entertainment and technology sectors.
Did You Know?
- ChatGPT Plus: This premium version of OpenAI's AI chatbot, ChatGPT, often includes additional features or benefits not found in the free version. In this case, the new voice feature will be available to ChatGPT Plus users in the near future.
- Voice Licensing: Despite legally securing the voice used in ChatGPT, OpenAI opted to remove it due to its similarity to Scarlett Johansson's voice.
- Casting Agencies: Over the span of five months, OpenAI collaborated with casting agencies to select voices for their AI assistant. These agencies are responsible for discovering and auditioning actors or voice artists for roles in various productions, including films, TV shows, and commercials.