OpenAI president Greg Brockman: We ‘contort’ ourselves around computers, clicking and typing is a ‘phase’
An office full of people talking to their computers may seem weird today, but a growing number of companies and 'voice-pilled' devotees are betting it's the future.
Emily Forlini delves into the future of computing, focusing on voice technology's growing prominence. The term "Voice-pilled" has emerged, signifying individuals who wholeheartedly believe in AI's future and are excited by its capabilities. Menlo Ventures, an early investor in Anthropic, has equipped four desks with microphones for dictation, with investors vouching for their increased productivity via voice commands.
The company has started a new AI lab, staffed with 50 researchers, to innovate voice models and discover new interaction methods. Opening up the floor plan office, Menlo acknowledges the awkwardness of speaking to computers next to colleagues, though the company asserts it's a growing pain. OpenAI is also investing in voice models, introducing ChatGPT Voice to enhance the desktop app, enabling users to direct their agents verbally.
Software engineers can now code by speaking, envisioning a future where computers become more personalized and accessible. However, skeptics argue that voice can't fully replace typing, especially for intricate tasks like editing, code reviews, research, and AI prompting. OpenAI's upcoming consumer hardware device may incorporate voice functionality, but its success hinges on the advancement of voice models.
The annoyance of voice assistants like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomePod, unable to comprehend poorly articulated commands, highlights the need for improved voice recognition technology.
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