OpenAI has updated its Advanced Voice Mode to make conversations with ChatGPT more natural by reducing interruptions when users pause. According to Maxwell Zeff at TechCrunch, the improvements were announced by OpenAI researcher Manuka Stratta. Free users now have access to a version that allows pauses without interruption, while paying subscribers receive additional benefits including fewer interruptions and an “improved personality” for the voice assistant. An OpenAI spokesperson described the paid version as “more direct, engaging, concise, specific, and creative.” These enhancements come as competition intensifies in the AI voice assistant market, with startups like Sesame gaining attention for natural-sounding assistants and larger companies such as Amazon preparing LLM-powered versions of their voice technologies.