ChatGPT releases update to manually control background listening

ChatGPT is finally bringing a new update that grants you control over the app's always-listening background function. 

Previously, interacting with ChatGPT's voice conversation feature felt more like a phone call than an AI assistant, as it continuously listened even when the phone was locked or another app was in use, if you forgot to end the "call." This is unlike other voice assistants like Google Assistant which wakes up only for specific queries, raising privacy concerns for some users.

The new update introduces a "Background Conversation" toggle in the app's settings (version 1.2024.151). With this toggle, you can decide when ChatGPT is allowed to listen and respond in the background.

The "Background Conversation" setting will be disabled by default for all users, including those who might have used the feature previously, but you can choose to enable it.

Overall, the introduction of background listening control is a welcome change for privacy-conscious users.

Meanwhile, OpenAI is also reportedly working on a major update that will introduce even more natural-sounding voices. It is also set to add the 'Vision' feature. This update, powered by the company's GPT-4o model, will allow ChatGPT to detect emotions and adjust its voice accordingly, adding a whole new level of realism to your interactions. However, this advanced functionality will be exclusive to ChatGPT Plus subscribers.