OpenAI suspends development of AI voice similar to Scarlett Johansson

OpenAI has discontinued an AI voice used by ChatGPT because it closely resembled that of Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson. The announcement made in a blog post where Altman confirmed that the voice, named Sky Voice, is now on hold. Users had reported that one of the voices used by ChatGPT sounded similar to Scarlett Johansson, prompting OpenAI to pause its use.

Also read: 6 Crore Jobs Created In 6-7 Years: PM Modi 

OpenAI Pauses sky voice after GPT-4o launch

In a blog post, Sam Altman’s AI company announced that Sky Voice paused following its use during the launch of the new GPT-4o model last week. OpenAI clarified, We believe that AI voices should not deliberately mimic a celebrity’s distinctive voice. Sky’s voice is not an imitation of Scarlett Johansson but belongs to a different professional actress using her own natural speaking voice. To protect their privacy, we cannot share the names of our voice talents.

Scarlett Johansson also issued a statement, saying OpenAI approached her in September about providing the voice. “Last September, I received an offer from Sam Altman to voice the current ChatGPT 4.0 system,” Johansson posted on X. However, she declined “after much consideration and for personal reasons” and was “shocked” when she heard the released demo.

Also read: Teen Who Killed 2 With Porsche Got Bail In 15 Hours

OpenAI praises user response to new AI voices

“Since then, we have been encouraged by users’ positive responses to the feature and the individual voices. Each voice — Breeze, Cove, Ember, Juniper, and Sky — was created in collaboration with professional voice actors,” said the company. Sam Altman mentioned there was a provision regarding potential equity cancellation in OpenAI’s previous exit documents. He also noted that his team has been working to revise the standard exit paperwork over the past few months.

Also read: Gopi Thotakura makes history as first Indian space tourist