OpenAI has recently announced that they are temporarily pausing the Sky voice option for ChatGPT to address certain issues. If you’re someone who prefers interacting with AI models through voice options, you may have already tried out Breeze, Cove, Ember, or Juniper. However, Sky is currently on pause.

For those familiar with Spike Jonze’s movie “Her” from 2013, you might notice how Sky’s voice resembles Samantha, the AI character voiced by Scarlett Johansson in the film. The resemblance is uncanny and could even make you feel like growing a mustache akin to Joaquin Phoenix’s character in “Her,” Theodore.

While OpenAI works on resolving the issues with Sky’s voice option, they have provided insights into the selection process for all voices available in ChatGPT. The company spent five months collaborating with voice actors, casting directors, and industry professionals to ensure a diverse and engaging range of voices.

The decision to pause Sky’s voice follows the launch of voice capabilities for ChatGPT in September 2023. OpenAI emphasizes that they prioritized diversity, timelessness, approachability, warmth, and charisma when selecting voices for the AI model. Over 400 actors auditioned for these roles in May 2023.

The criteria for selecting voices included factors such as diverse backgrounds or multilingual abilities, timeless appeal, approachability inspiring trustworthiness, warm and engaging tones with rich textures, and natural ease of listening. OpenAI worked closely with casting professionals to ensure that each voice represented a unique personality that would resonate with global audiences.

As OpenAI continues to refine their AI models and enhance user experiences through innovative voice options, they remain committed to providing a seamless and engaging interaction between humans and AI technology. Stay tuned for updates on when the Sky voice option will be back in action on ChatGPT!