OpenAI has had an eventful week, unveiling significant new features that are generating excitement among AI enthusiasts. The company has just announced the release of SearchGPT, a direct competitor to Google, and opened its waitlist for eager users. Following this, OpenAI has revealed that its much-anticipated Voice Mode will be launching next week, adding another layer of innovation for its users.

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, responded to an inquiry from an OpenAI user on X, stating, “Alpha rollout starts to plus subscribers next week!” This announcement indicates that the initial access to the new voice features will be exclusive to ChatGPT Plus subscribers. These features were first showcased a few months ago, sparking significant interest.

However, even among Plus subscribers, immediate access isn’t guaranteed. The official OpenAI X account clarified that the alpha phase would begin with a select group of users to gather feedback and make necessary improvements. Details on how these users will be chosen remain unspecified, suggesting that the selection might be random from the Plus subscriber pool. Nevertheless, OpenAI has assured that “all Plus users” will have access by the fall, ensuring that everyone gets the chance to experience this new feature soon.

Interestingly, Altman shared this update via a straightforward X post rather than a formal press release or a live stream, hinting at a cautious and phased rollout. The launch, initially scheduled for June, faced a brief delay as OpenAI aimed to meet its high standards for the feature. With Altman’s recent update, it appears the company is now ready to provide its top-tier users with early access.