OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the AI-powered chatbot, has unveiled a new accessibility feature designed to assist visually impaired individuals. The Read Aloud feature, announced on Monday, enables ChatGPT to audibly articulate its written responses, enhancing the user experience for those with visual impairments. This feature, distinct from the voice chat functionality introduced in September 2023, leverages the AI model’s multimodal capabilities to deliver spoken responses.
The official announcement, made via OpenAI’s account on X (formerly known as Twitter), detailed the functionality of the Read Aloud feature. Users can simply tap and hold a message on the iOS or Android apps, then select “Read Aloud.” Similarly, on the web client, users can click the “Read Aloud” button below the message. To demonstrate the feature’s functionality, a video was attached to the announcement post.
ChatGPT can now read responses to you.
On iOS or Android, tap and hold the message and then tap “Read Aloud”. We’ve also started rolling on web – click the “Read Aloud” button below the message. pic.twitter.com/KevIkgAFbG
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) March 4, 2024
Accessible across ChatGPT’s Android and iOS apps, as well as its web client, the Read Aloud feature is available in both ChatGPT 4.0, powering the ChatGPT Plus version, and ChatGPT 3.5, accessible for free. With support for 37 different languages, the feature automatically detects the language of the generated text and delivers verbal responses accordingly.
It’s important to note that while Read Aloud may seem similar to the voice chat feature, it serves a distinct purpose. In voice chat, users solely engage in verbal communication and can’t view text responses until the conversation concludes. In contrast, the Read Aloud feature maintains text-based communication, offering users the flexibility to choose which messages to listen to. This functionality proves beneficial for users who may be occupied and unable to read lengthy responses on screen or for those who are visually impaired.
In addition to the Read Aloud feature, OpenAI is reportedly working on several other enhancements. Previous reports hinted at the imminent release of a home-screen widget for the ChatGPT Android app. This widget is expected to provide shortcuts for various actions, including sending text messages, uploading or sending images, voice queries, and initiating voice chats. As OpenAI continues to prioritize accessibility and user experience, these updates underscore the organization’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity within the realm of AI-powered communication tools.
