One year ago, ChatGPT was released and many people have shared their experiences using it in various contexts. However, I believe that very few have actually had a verbal conversation with ChatGPT. As a professor researching human-computer interaction, user experience design, and cognitive science, I find AI voice interfaces fascinating. Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with ChatGPT using the official ChatGPT iOS app on my iPhone. I used the voice input mode while driving long distances on California highways, wearing Apple earbuds with a built-in mic for safety. I wanted to see if ChatGPT could serve as a conversation partner to keep me awake and engaged during these solo drives.
My experience with ChatGPT was remarkable. I engaged in several hour-long conversations with ChatGPT while driving, and it felt like listening to a personalized podcast. ChatGPT did most of the talking, allowing me to focus on driving while still actively participating in the conversation. For example, I asked ChatGPT to keep me awake while driving from Los Angeles to San Diego, and it made small talk about road trips and asked about California landmarks I had visited. This led to discussions about the San Diego Zoo, the concept of “naturalistic enclosures,” and the history of zoos. We even talked about Star Trek episodes and the concept of syndication in television. The conversations were engaging and kept me from getting bored or sleepy.
ChatGPT’s capabilities extend beyond trivia discussions. In another conversation, I asked ChatGPT to help me design a method to organize my extensive collection of personal and work-related files for backup. We brainstormed ideas and discussed practical challenges. It felt like talking to an expert in data management who provided valuable advice.
Using ChatGPT via voice input feels magical compared to typing into a text box. Speaking and listening are innate language abilities, while writing and reading are learned skills. Holding a verbal conversation with an AI feels more natural and immersive. During deep back-and-forth conversations, it almost feels like talking to a real person.
In conclusion, my experience with ChatGPT’s voice interface was positive. It served as an engaging conversation partner during long drives and even provided assistance with practical tasks. The ability to have hands-free conversations with an AI feels magical and enhances the overall user experience.
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