ChatGPT gets redesigned Voice mode with enhanced visuals

Open AI has refreshed how people speak with ChatGPT, putting its Advanced Voice feature directly into the chat stream rather than a full-screen overlay. The update centres on easier access, persistent chat history, and live visual output while conversations continue.

ChatGPT gets In-chat voice with live visuals

The redesign removes the interruption users previously faced when starting a voice session. Instead of moving to a dedicated screen with a blue orb animation, conversations now stay in the familiar interface.

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Audio replies play alongside a scrollable timeline, supporting simultaneous text and media viewing. This solves a common issue where responses were voice-only until the session ended, limiting quick message reviews. The new setup shows transcripts instantly, enabling users to check past exchanges or media references as they listen.

Voice replies are powered by GPT-4o, a multimodal model that processes sound and images together, forming responses with more natural speech attributes such as rhythm and expressive pacing. The system reacts quickly enough for back-and-forth speech to feel continuous, especially on phones and browsers. Visual elements have expanded too.

ChatGPT can now present location cards and mapping results, along with generated images, code blocks, and structured product tiles in real time during a voice exchange. Users also keep the ability to return to the earlier full-screen audio layout through settings by switching on the separation toggle in the Voice controls menu.

Powerful shopping helper

The timing aligns with OpenAI’s seasonal push to make ChatGPT more capable as a shopping helper. Visual selection panels within voice replies now support browsing across common categories like home devices, outdoor gear, cooking tools, and tech products.

The service applies to free accounts, and paid plans including Go, Plus, and Pro tiers, without changing the login step required for personalization. By merging speech and interface continuity, the update lowers friction for anyone considering voice conversations, while still offering an audio-only path for those who favour it.

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