Hands-on with ChatGPT's Live Voice upgrade: A more human-like conversation

Voice upgrade: A more human-like conversation">

I like having voice conversations with my favorite AIs. Chatting by voice feels more convenient and more engaging than interacting via regular text prompts. But depending on the model, the conversation can still feel stilted.

In voice mode, most AIs can tackle only one task at a time -- either speaking to you or listening to you. Try to pause or interrupt, and the conversation can go off the rails. Now, OpenAI has unveiled new voice models for ChatGPT that promise to turn the AI into a more natural and accomplished conversationalist.

Added on Wednesday to the ChatGPT website, the Windows app, and the mobile apps, the new GPT-Live uses a "full-duplex architecture." That simply means it can both speak to you and listen to you at the same time. While you're talking, the AI model shows that it's paying attention by sneaking in phrases like "Yeah" or "Mhmm." Depending on the flow of the conversation, GPT-Live can keep up with you in quick back-and-forth banter or stay silent while it gives you time to collect your thoughts. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis, ZDNET's parent company, filed an April 2025 lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.) While the two of you are chatting away, you can ask ChatGPT to conduct research or carry out a request.

The online search is handed off to another model behind the scenes, so the AI can focus on your conversation without interruption. That reminds me of myself when I'm speaking with a friend or relative on the phone who needs technical help, and I'm searching for the topic on the web, all at the same time. The new full-duplex conversational model is available for all ChatGPT users.

However, there are two different models depending on whether you're a paid subscriber or a free user. GPT‑Live‑1 is the default model for ChatGPT Voice for Go, Plus, and Pro users. GPT‑Live‑1 mini is the default for free users.

Between the two, GPT‑Live‑1 offers higher quality, while the mini model uses fewer resources. You can try Live Voice on the ChatGPT website , the ChatGPT Windows app , and the iOS and Android mobile apps. The ChatGPT Mac app no longer supports Voice mode, so Mac users will have to turn to the website.

The new Live model should automatically be accessible. To check at the site or one of the apps, go to Settings and select Voice. The model should show Live as the new default.

Select the drop-down menu, and you can always go back to Advanced or Standard, but I recommend keeping it at Live. Another option called Intelligence determines the level of reasoning ChatGPT uses in your voice chats. As the default, Instant is fine for general chats and quick replies.