ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice mode is making waves as it rolls out for ChatGPT Plus and Teams subscribers. This new feature enables users to talk to ChatGPT in a more conversational and human-like manner, thanks to its powerful capabilities that integrate text, vision, and audio inputs. However, while the feature is gaining popularity worldwide, users in the EU are still waiting for access. If you’re wondering why, we may finally have some answers.
The Reason Behind the Delay
According to an official tweet by OpenAI on X.com, ChatGPT Advanced Voice mode is not yet available in certain regions, including the EU, UK, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. While there was initial speculation that this delay might be related to the EU AI Act, OpenAI has clarified that the Act has not yet been enacted and is not the cause of the delay.
Instead, OpenAI explained that launching new features in some regions requires additional external reviews to ensure compliance with local regulations. This process can take time, and OpenAI emphasized that these reviews are a standard procedure. For now, EU users will have to wait a bit longer for ChatGPT Advanced Voice mode, but OpenAI hopes to provide updates soon.
Availability Update: UK and EU Progress
There’s some good news for users in the UK and parts of Europe. Since our initial report, Advanced Voice mode has already started rolling out for ChatGPT Plus, Teams, Enterprise, and Education subscribers in the UK. For the rest of Europe, the rollout is slowly expanding to Teams, Enterprise, and Education users, although ChatGPT Plus subscribers in the EU are still in the queue.
What Makes ChatGPT Advanced Voice Special?
Advanced Voice mode offers a breakthrough in how you interact with AI. By allowing voice communication, it brings the experience closer to having a real conversation with a human. You can use your smartphone to talk to ChatGPT Advanced Voice, and it responds quickly and naturally, making the interaction feel smoother and more intuitive.
This mode uses GPT-4o LLM, which enhances response times and allows for seamless interpretation of not just text, but also audio and visual inputs. For example, you can show it an image using your phone’s camera and ask for an opinion. Not only that, but ChatGPT can remember things about your past conversations, making each new interaction feel like a continuation of the last.
Since the Alpha version, several updates have been made. Users now have access to nine distinct voices, including Arbor, Maple, Sol, Spruce, and Vale. Additionally, there’s a cool new blue orb visual effect that appears when ChatGPT speaks.
How to Check if You Have Advanced Voice Mode
If you’re eager to try ChatGPT Advanced Voice mode, it’s important to note that the feature is rolling out gradually to ChatGPT Plus and Teams subscribers. You’ll know you’ve got it when you see a pop-up message near the entry point to Voice Mode in your app. However, as mentioned earlier, users in the EU will still have to wait for its official release.
Conclusion
The global launch of ChatGPT Advanced Voice mode marks a significant milestone in conversational AI, but its absence in the EU has left many users curious. While regulatory reviews are the primary reason for the delay, OpenAI has expressed optimism about resolving these issues soon. Until then, users in other regions can enjoy the benefits of more fluid and human-like interactions with ChatGPT Advanced Voice.
