The Best AI Voice Yet

Today, we have one goal: Give you the latest updates in AI so you can be smarter than all your friends. 🙌

🤯 MYSTERY AI LINK 🤯

(The mystery link can lead to ANYTHING AI-related: tools, memes, articles, videos, and more…)

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🏀 Flow Studio: Create short films from texts. → Check it out

💬 Proton: An email assistant that protects sensitive data. → Check it out

♻️ Sugar Free (app): Cure your sugar addiction. → Check it out

OPENAI BEGINS TO ROLL OUT ADVANCED VOICE MODE 🗣️

AI voice keeps criticizing my life. At least it gives sound judgement. 🤣

What’s new? OpenAI has begun rolling out ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode, giving Plus users access to GPT-4o’s hyperrealistic audio responses.

How will the roll-out work? OpenAI is cautiously releasing Voice Mode to ensure it can closely monitor its usage. The alpha version will be available to a small group of ChatGPT Plus users immediately, albeit without the video and screen sharing features from the Spring Update. OpenAI says the feature will gradually roll out to all Plus users this fall.

Why was it so delayed? When OpenAI first showcased GPT-4o’s voice in May (above), the feature shocked audiences with quick responses and an uncanny resemblance to a real human voices. One voice, however, caused some controversy. The voice, Sky, resembled that of actress Scarlett Johansson. Soon after OpenAI’s demo, Johansson said she refused multiple inquiries from CEO Sam Altman to use her voice, and after seeing GPT-4o’s demo of Sky, hired legal counsel to protect her likeness. OpenAI denied using Johansson’s voice but later removed the Sky voice shown in its demo. As a result, OpenAI said it would delay the release of Advanced Voice Mode to improve its safety measures and assure a smooth release.

TACO BELL TO EXPAND AI DRIVE-THRUS 🌮

AI drive-thrus? Let’s taco-bout it! 🙃

What’s happening? Taco Bell will expand its use of voice AI technology to hundreds of its drive-thru locations by the end of the year.

Why? Currently implemented at around 100 locations across 13 states, the expanded rollout follows two years of testing. According to parent company Yum, the AI technology aims to improve order accuracy, reduce wait times, and offer a consistent, friendly customer experience.

What does this mean? AI is coming to fast food chains and restaurants around the world. Wendy’s, Chipotle, Pizza Hut, and McDonald’s are just a few of the other popular food chains that have looked for ways to implement AI into their operations. Although this process has had some bumps and resulted in a few angry customers, it has been mostly successful. The most significant benefits are that it satisfies gaps in labor, minimizes customer wait time, and reduces operating costs. As a result, we can expect to interact with more AIs in drive-thrus going forward.

YOUR NEW AI “FRIEND” 😁

There’s nothing better than a friend … except for a friend that gives you their French fries. 🍟

What’s up? Avi Schiffman, a Webby Award Winner, has announced Friend, an interactive smart device to combat loneliness.

How does it work? Friend is worn like a necklace and listens to a user’s daily interactions. Throughout the day, users can chat with Friend vocally, and it can send users messages in response to queries, comments, and circumstances. After raising $2.5 million in funding and reaching a $50 million valuation, Friend has entered the pre-order phase, starting at $99 per necklace.

What’s the significance? Friend represents a growing approach to AI companionship, but it will undoubtedly face massive pushback over privacy. Having AI listen to and engage with one’s daily interactions seems a bit … creepy.

TASTE-TEST THURSDAY 🍽️

HAS AI REACHED SINGULARITY? CHECK OUT THE FRY METER BELOW: