In addition to the new AI model, OpenAI also proposed a desktop version of ChatGPT. The GPT-4o model is capable of conducting conversations. This could make ChatGPT a major competitor to voice assistants like Amazon (Alexa), Apple (Siri) and Google.

The new program can process information based on spoken commands, communicate with the user using the human voice and translate between different languages, according to Belga news agency. “This is the first time we’ve really taken a big step forward in terms of usability,” said Mira Murati, Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI. According to the company, the new GPT-4o model will also be available to free users.

Faster and better

OpenAI’s CEO explained that the new model is “much faster” and offers more options in terms of text, video and audio. The ultimate goal is to enable users to video chat with ChatGPT. The “o” in GPT-4o stands for “omni”. The new model allows ChatGPT to handle 50 languages ​​better and faster. It will also be available via OpenAI’s API, allowing developers to start using the model immediately.

During the presentation of GPT-4o, OpenAI demonstrated the model’s audio capabilities. According to researcher Mark Chen, the model is even capable of recognizing emotions and has no problem with users interrupting a conversation. According to the OpenAI team, the model can also analyze facial expressions to then provide commentary on the emotions a person may be experiencing.

Test phase

OpenAI will be testing GPT-4o’s language mode in the coming weeks. The application will be available to all users at a later date. Paid subscribers get faster access to the tool. According to OpenAI, the model would respond very quickly to voice instructions. The average reaction time of 320 milliseconds would be comparable to the human reaction time in a conversation.

GPT-4o could even become a competitor to GitHub Copilot (Microsoft). The model can solve mathematical equations and help write code. The timing of the presentation is interesting as Google is holding its annual Google I/O developer conference today. Announcements about new artificial intelligence features are expected. A few months ago, Google showed how its AI software Gemini can process spoken and visual information.