OpenAI Pauses Development of Controversial New Voice “Sky”
OpenAI, the company behind the latest multimodal language model, GPT-4o, has decided to halt the development of its new voice, known as “Sky.” This decision comes after a series of suggestive comments, memes, and comparisons to Scarlett Johansson’s AI character in the movie “Her,” which led OpenAI to distance itself from any association with the Hollywood actress.
Challenges with Choosing Voices for ChatGPT
OpenAI faced questions regarding the selection of voices in ChatGPT, particularly the voice named Sky. In response to these concerns, the company has opted to suspend the use of Sky while they address the issues at hand.
- This decision follows the unveiling of the Sky voice last week, which aimed to enhance the human-like interactions of AI models by recognizing and responding to emotional cues.
- However, users quickly tested the boundaries of the model, leading to descriptions of Sky as “flirty,” “sexy,” and “provocative,” with some even making jokes about developing romantic feelings for the AI voice.
- Parallels were drawn to the movie “Her,” where Scarlett Johansson voiced an AI assistant, further fueling comparisons and comedic sketches.
Dealing with Controversy and Legal Concerns
OpenAI found itself in a delicate situation due to Scarlett Johansson’s stance against using her likeness to train AI models. In contrast, OpenAI aims to ensure its models are content-friendly to avoid any controversies or accusations of bias.
- The company’s CEO, Sam Altman, reassured the public about potential adjustments to Sky, emphasizing that the new model was not yet available for public use.
- Recent developments have seen OpenAI postpone further development of the Sky voice, signaling a pause in creating the controversial voice.
- OpenAI addressed concerns in an official blog post, clarifying the selection and training process of voice models without referencing Johansson as the inspiration for Sky.
Transparency and Future Plans
OpenAI emphasized transparency in the voice selection process, highlighting collaborations with industry professionals to create distinct voices for AI models. The company aims to diversify voice options to cater to a wider range of users’ preferences and interests.
- The voices presented in ChatGPT, including Breeze, Cove, Ember, Juniper, and Sky, were carefully crafted with input from voice actors to ensure authenticity and natural speech patterns.
- OpenAI stated that AI voices should not aim to imitate celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, ensuring that each voice reflects the unique style and delivery of the voice actor involved.
- While the identities of the voice actors remain undisclosed for privacy reasons, OpenAI plans to introduce additional voices in the future to enhance user experience.
The Aftermath and Lessons Learned
The fallout from the Sky controversy serves as a lesson on the complexities of developing AI voices and the importance of navigating potential legal and ethical issues associated with celebrity likenesses.
- OpenAI’s decision to pause the development of Sky reflects a willingness to address concerns and prioritize user experience and ethical considerations.
- As AI technology continues to evolve, striking a balance between innovation and responsible development remains crucial to building trust and credibility in the field.
Hot Take: Reflecting on OpenAI’s Decision
OpenAI’s choice to suspend the development of the Sky voice underscores the company’s commitment to addressing feedback and ensuring the responsible deployment of AI technologies in a rapidly changing landscape.
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