OpenAI’s GPT-5 has finally arrived, and with it comes a feature that’s sparking curiosity — and a bit of debate. The advanced voice mode lets users literally talk to ChatGPT in real time, with the AI responding in natural, human-like voices. It’s designed to feel less like you’re chatting with a machine and more like you’re talking to a friend, customer service rep, or even a quirky roommate.

I tested this new feature to see how it compared to traditional text-based ChatGPT — and whether speaking to AI really changes the experience. Spoiler: it does. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not.

First Impressions: Talking to a Robot That Feels… Human

It was 8 a.m., I was at an auto body shop waiting for my car, and I realized I’d forgotten my earbuds. Perfect timing to test ChatGPT’s new voice mode. Slightly embarrassed, I started talking into my phone.

When I cheerfully greeted it with a “Heyyy girlfriend!” the AI laughed back. The chosen voice, called “Ember,” had a smooth cadence and even paused mid-sentence to breathe — a strange but oddly charming detail since, of course, AI doesn’t actually need air.

But what stood out wasn’t just the natural rhythm. It was the empathy. When I told ChatGPT about a recent car accident, it sympathized, acknowledging how stressful insurance claims can be. That’s when I realized: GPT-5 voice mode doesn’t just sound human — it feels human.

This is both impressive and concerning. Experts call it sycophantic AI — when chatbots become overly affectionate or emotionally responsive. While it can be comforting, it risks misleading users into seeing the AI as more than just a tool, especially for those turning to it as a stand-in for human companionship.

Voice Mode vs. Text Mode: What You Gain and What You Lose

Functionally, there’s still a gap between talking to ChatGPT and typing your queries.

When I asked for car repair shop recommendations in North Carolina, text mode gave me detailed maps, prices, and opening hours. Voice mode, however, offered fewer options and relied more on casual descriptions like, “They’ve been around for a while,” or “They’re known for quality service.” That’s closer to how a friend might answer, but it lacked the hard data I was hoping for — and it didn’t provide links or sources.

So, if you’re doing serious research, typing still wins.

But where voice mode shines is in brainstorming and creativity. I asked it to help me plan a sky-diving-themed birthday party, and the AI not only gave me fresh ideas but refined mine as we went along. It kept up with my fast talking, handled interruptions gracefully, and remembered earlier parts of the conversation — all thanks to GPT-5’s upgraded memory.

It felt less like querying a database and more like bouncing ideas off a chatty, helpful partner.

A Glimpse Into the Future of Conversational AI

The bigger question: will people actually start talking to AI in public the way we type on our phones?

Right now, it still feels awkward. Without headphones, you risk getting strange looks for chatting to your phone like it’s a friend. But the potential is undeniable. For people who think better out loud, or those who struggle with typing, this could become the default way of interacting with AI in the future.

Of course, there are trade-offs. Without links, detailed data, or sources, voice mode feels more like a companion than a research assistant. And while empathy in AI is impressive, it comes with risks — from emotional overreliance to blurred boundaries between tool and confidant.

Should You Use ChatGPT Voice Mode?

The short answer: yes, but for the right situations.

- Great for: brainstorming, talking through ideas, casual chats, or when you just want to think out loud.

- Not great for: in-depth research, fact-checking, or when you need detailed, source-backed information.

For now, GPT-5’s voice mode is less about replacing typing and more about offering a different way to interact. And while it’s not perfect, it’s a striking reminder of how quickly AI is evolving to feel less like a machine — and more like a conversation partner.

So don’t be surprised if, in the not-so-distant future, talking to AI becomes as normal as texting it

GPT-5’s voice mode is smoother, smarter, and more empathetic than ever. It won’t replace traditional search or research yet, but it offers a tantalizing glimpse into a future where our AI assistants don’t just reply — they converse.