ChatGPT drops Scarlett Johansson-inspired AI voice: Here's what happened

With ChatGPT's entry into the vocal domain, everyone was reminded of the 2013 film Her when OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT 4o (O for Omni) earlier this month. Not only did the film depict the potential personalization of AI chatbots with people, but it also hinted at the future of this technology.

Scarjo controversey? 

However, others also thought that Scarlett Johansson from the same film had a similar voice to the sample ChatGPT 4o voice. Breeze, Cove, Ember, Juniper, and Sky are just a few of the voice actors who have assisted OpenAI in developing its voice. The firm has also discussed how it chose its artists.
 

OpenAI has blocked the Sky voice option on ChatGPT 4o, citing the public's observation that Sky's voice bears a striking resemblance to the actress from Hollywood. The corporation defends itself by stating that it does not want AI voices to purposefully copy the voice of a celebrity and that Sky is not mimicking Johansson.

OpenAI's claims

Actually, OpenAI claims the voice belongs to a different professional actress in this post titled "How the voices for ChatGPT were chosen," but they do not name her in order to preserve her anonymity. Additionally, OpenAI outlines the steps it took and the components it checked for while choosing and recording the voices. To get the voices functioning, it has collaborated with both independent and prestigious casting directors and producers. The performers on the company's finalized 14-person list, which ultimately consisted of just five actors, included Sky, who had a Johansson-like voice. Although it is unclear if Sky will be changed or replaced, OpenAI currently intends to provide ChatGPT Plus subscribers with access to ChatGPT 4o with the new voice mode in alpha.

Imitations can be endless too!

Over time, OpenAI doubts that voice imitations will be the main source of concern for the technology. However, it is probable that the business does not want to take on needless legal battles, as it has previously had to deal with allegations of alleged copyright infringement related to its data consumption.