In November 2025, a quiet but significant change was made to OpenAI's ChatGPT: the voice mode feature, once residing in a separated interface, became fully integrated into the primary chat environment. For founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners across Europe, this may have a larger implication than it first seems.
As a founder myself, I've worked across tech, education, and deep-tech startups for decades, often bootstrapping and wearing multiple hats. Streamlining user interactions with essential tools isn't just an IT decision; it reflects how modern technology can empower users to operate more effectively. Let's dive into why this matters and how it can be a valuable lesson for female entrepreneurs.
A Unified Interface That Simplifies Workflows
Previously, using voice mode in ChatGPT required switching to a separate interface with limited usability. To a busy founder, this sounds like an impedance: the need to pause back-and-forth workflows can disrupt creative problem-solving or brainstorming sessions. Now, OpenAI has removed this separate mode, combining voice interaction seamlessly into the main chat window.
If you're managing a lean startup team or managing tasks across multiple areas, these kinds of changes free up time and help you focus on creative and strategic tasks. Talking to your AI assistant while simultaneously viewing and analyzing multimedia responses, graphs, diagrams, or even input summaries, all on one screen can be transformative.
How does this shift relate to startup life? Entrepreneurs don’t have hours to spare navigating disjointed interfaces. Integration and seamless use (ooops…easy transitions!) allow us to get what we need faster, without sacrificing quality.
Key Points About ChatGPT's Voice Mode Update
Here’s what you need to know as a potentially time-strapped entrepreneur:
1. One Screen for All Modes
Both voice and text chat now sit side by side in the same interface. Talk, type, switch between the two, it’s up to you. Real-time responses make conversations more dynamic, allowing users to address issues or brainstorm ideas as they appear.
2. Multimodal Outputs
The ability to interact with visuals like charts or maps in real-time is not just efficient; it shapes how users process and strategize complex scenarios. Imagine pitching investors or preparing team instructions with this kind of tool!
3. Retaining Flexibility
If you’re a fan of the classic design that houses voice responses separately, you can still activate it in the settings menu. The choice means everyone can work according to their preferences.
4. Supported Platforms
The update is available for both mobile and web versions of the app, making it an accessible upgrade for all users. Keep your apps updated regularly to ensure you have the new features.
Want to learn more? Explore the full announcement by OpenAI and learn how this might fit into your workflows.
Learning from This Change: Lessons for European Women Entrepreneurs
As someone who designs solutions that solve real problems for startups, one major takeaway here is flexibility. OpenAI’s adjustment embraces the user’s needs, removing unnecessary hurdles. For founders looking to offer tech-enabled solutions, consider these lessons:
1. Focus on Real Needs
OpenAI spotted user frustration with the old voice mode. By embedding voice functionality in the main screen, they reduced complexity. Similarly, you need to constantly ask yourself: is my product creating ease for the users, or burdening them with extra steps?
2. Be Ready to Iterate Publicly
The old voice mode served a purpose during an early launch phase. But OpenAI didn’t cling to their first iteration. They built and delivered better tools, even if that meant leaving familiar designs behind. What can you improve in your offering today?
3. Customer Feedback Is Non-Negotiable
Listen. Observe how your users actually interact with your product or service. OpenAI likely used real user data before eliminating the feature’s redundant interface. Hosting simple surveys, collecting reviews, or creating feedback loops could provide the breakthrough you need.
4. Technology Is a Partner, Not a Fix
While this update to ChatGPT removes friction, your own innovative solutions benefit more from tech that complements true human effort, balance is key. AI can assist with guidance and analysis, but it’s only as effective as your team’s ability to channel those insights into strategic actions.
Common Mistakes: What to Avoid
If you’re inspired by tools like ChatGPT but are unsure about how to refine your own services, here’s what not to do:
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Building What’s ‘Cool’ Instead of What’s Needed
Adding flashy features that solve no real issues dilutes functionality. OpenAI reimagined what their users actually needed, rather than simply trying to create new features to showcase technology. -
Ignoring Accessibility
Whether you’re designing a platform or selling services, think about how accessible your solution is across different user abilities, languages, and platforms. At Fe/male Switch, one of my proudest achievements is ensuring that our gaming elements are intuitive even for non-gamers. -
Mishandling Transitions
Just as OpenAI allowed users to keep the original voice mode design, you must give your audience choice when launching new features. Sudden shifts can alienate your audience without adding value.
A Simple Guide to Leverage ChatGPT’s Voice Feature
Interested in optimizing your use of ChatGPT for running your business? Follow these simple steps:
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Update the App or Website Version
Make sure you have the latest version of ChatGPT. -
Locate the Voice Icon
On the main chat menu, find the microphone icon and tap it. -
Test Multiple Use Cases
You can stream webinars while brainstorming notes with ChatGPT in its voice-text mode. Try asking it to summarize key trends during a client phone call. -
Switch Modes if Needed
Prefer text-based interaction during meetings? Use the settings menu to toggle between views, so other team-related features don’t distract you. -
Show Clients Something Visual
Got a new product roadmap? Co-create it with ChatGPT and use its ability to combine text and visual outputs in real-time.
Wrapping It All Up
For Europe’s women entrepreneurs, the integration OpenAI has delivered isn’t just about technology. Finally threading together voice and text in ChatGPT is a powerful example of adaptability and listening to users. It’s yet another proof point that customer-centricity remains a critical factor for success, no matter your industry.
Take this as a reminder. Whether you're building an app, a product, or pitching ideas, focus on combining simplicity with flexibility. Your users, and your business, will thank you.
FAQ
1. What updates were made to ChatGPT's voice mode?
ChatGPT's voice mode was integrated into the main chat interface in November 2025, allowing users to talk, type, and view multimodal outputs on a single screen. Read more about this update
2. Can users still access the old voice mode?
Yes, users can switch back to the classic voice mode via “Settings” > “Voice Mode” to reactivate the separate interface. Learn more about customization options
3. How does the integration improve user workflows?
The integration eliminates friction between voice and text interactions, offering a seamless experience for brainstorming or multitasking with real-time responses. Explore how the update improves UX
4. Is the updated voice mode available on all devices?
Yes, the unified voice mode update is rolling out for both mobile and web applications. Users need to ensure their app is updated to access the feature. Check out platform compatibility details
5. What are multimodal outputs, and how are they included in voice mode?
Multimodal outputs, such as charts and maps, are displayed in real-time during voice interactions, offering dynamic visual aid alongside textual responses. Discover multimodal features
6. How can users set up voice mode in ChatGPT?
Users can activate voice mode by tapping the microphone icon in the chat interface. Microphone access must be granted for optimal functionality. Follow setup instructions
7. Are there different voice options available?
Yes, users can choose from nine life-like voices with distinct tones to personalize their ChatGPT experience. Learn more about output voices
8. What inspired OpenAI to unify voice and text modes?
The update reflects user feedback and aims to simplify interactions for better accessibility and productivity, focusing on real needs rather than adding unnecessary complexity. Understand OpenAI’s motivation
9. How does this change impact startups or entrepreneurs?
For business owners, the faster and more efficient interface supports streamlined workflows, making it easier to analyze data or manage tasks creatively. See its impact on entrepreneurs
10. What are some potential use cases for the voice mode?
Entrepreneurs might use voice mode for tasks like real-time brainstorming, investor pitch preparation, or creating product roadmaps with combined voice, text, and visuals. Explore use case applications
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
