- DuckDuckGo launched an optional voice mode for its AI assistant, Duck.ai
- Voice chat allows live spoken conversations with real-time audio responses
- Voice data is encrypted, processed in real time, and not stored or used for training
DuckDuckGo on Monday unveiled an optional voice mode for its AI assistant, Duck.ai, allowing users to hold live spoken conversations instead of typing queries. The addition expands the company's private chatbot offering, incorporating usage caps and privacy safeguards.
According to DuckDuckGo, users can toggle the voice function whenever they choose, access it without signing up, and unlock extended usage through a subscription.
“Like all of our AI features, voice chat is totally optional. Even after you opt in, you can change your mind any time. Head to your http://Duck.ai settings to toggle the feature on and off,” it said in a post.
Like all of our AI features, voice chat is totally optional. Even after you opt in, you can change your mind any time. Head to your https://t.co/gZKADER7S8 settings to toggle the feature on and off. pic.twitter.com/cN9e3DeSh0
— DuckDuckGo (@DuckDuckGo) February 9, 2026
The option enables users to speak directly to the assistant and hear responses delivered aloud in real time.
Introduced in March, Duck.ai began as a platform for private interactions with third-party AI models. Since its debut, the offering has broadened its scope, moving past text-only conversations to incorporate voice functionality.
DuckDuckGo said voice interactions are routed to an OpenAI system via an encrypted intermediary. Audio captured from the user's microphone is transmitted in real time for transcription and reply generation, resulting in both text and spoken responses. The company said it cannot decrypt or inspect the secured link.
DuckDuckGo said voice inputs are processed only in real time and are not retained once a conversation concludes. The company added that neither it nor OpenAI keeps audio recordings, nor are such clips used to train artificial intelligence models.
DuckDuckGo cautioned that an individual's voice can function as a biometric marker because of its distinct characteristics. The company said it does not seek to identify users through vocal patterns, adding that OpenAI is contractually restricted to using the data solely to deliver the service.
The voice feature is available on the DuckDuckGo browser as well as most major web browsers, though it has yet to roll out on Firefox. To begin a session, users must switch on voice mode within Duck.ai and allow microphone access via their browser settings.
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