Engadget
When ChatGPT first launched in 2022, the only way to interact with it was through your keyboard. Unlike older voice assistants like the Google Assistant, these chatbots can hold natural conversations on just about any subject and even search the internet for up-to-date information.
Google and OpenAI have taken noticeably different approaches to voice chat with their respective chatbots.
On paper, ChatGPT Voice and Gemini Live share many similarities — both respond in real time and offer various voices to choose from. The primary difference lies in which underlying AI models they use: ChatGPT uses the GPT family while Google's chatbot uses Gemini.
ChatGPT Voice tends to be much more expressive in its word selection and uses natural conversational markers in an attempt to sound more human.
Gemini Live's response often sounds flatter in its delivery, because of the differences in tone and inflection.
ChatGPT Voice paused for a couple of seconds while it accessed the internet, but gave me the correct answer.
Other than these differences, though, both Gemini Live and ChatGPT Voice can answer questions, look up information and even switch between multiple languages on the fly.
If you haven't paid for ChatGPT or Gemini, you'll quickly find that both chatbots only offer a few minutes of conversation before cutting access.
ChatGPT Go, the most affordable paid plan, will set you back $8 a month, while Google's AI Plus subscription costs $5 monthly.
The Pixel Buds line also has deep Gemini Live integration, which allows you to start a conversation using just your voice.