When Meta AI recites Shakespeare, it may speak like Judy Dench ...
Meta, the tech company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is delving into an intriguing new project that has the potential to transform how we engage with digital assistants. Picture a scenario where you ask your virtual assistant about the weather and instead of a generic voice, you hear the distinguished tones of Dame Judi Dench, or receive a witty traffic update from comedian Keegan-Michael Key. This pioneering concept showcases Meta's commitment to enhancing its AI capabilities.
Voice Personalization with Celebrities
According to the New York Times, Meta is in talks with various high-profile actors and influencers to integrate their voices into a digital assistant product known as MetaAI. Among the prominent figures involved in these discussions are Judi Dench, Awkwafina, and Keegan-Michael Key. While negotiations are ongoing, the final participation of these celebrities is not guaranteed.
Dame Judi Dench, a renowned British actress with a career spanning over six decades, is celebrated for her versatile performances on both stage and screen. She has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and multiple BAFTAs, for her exceptional talent and commanding presence. Dench is best known for her memorable roles in films like "Shakespeare in Love," "Skyfall," and "Philomena."
If these agreements come to fruition, Meta could potentially invest millions of dollars in securing the voices of these celebrities, underscoring the significant financial commitment and high stakes involved.
Integration of Voice in AI Development
Voice-enabled chatbots are emerging as a key focus in AI advancement, offering users a more engaging and personalized experience through voice interactions. Earlier this year, OpenAI, a leading AI developer, introduced a version of its ChatGPT that could process voice commands, images, and videos, demonstrating the expanding role of AI in our daily lives.
Following concerns raised by actress Scarlett Johansson regarding the unauthorized use of a voice resembling hers, OpenAI halted the rollout. To preempt similar controversies, Meta is carefully structuring its negotiations with celebrities. The proposed contracts entail recording the voices of these stars for utilization in MetaAI, enabling users to engage with these voices across Meta's various platforms.
These agreements are designed to be for a fixed term, ensuring that the actors retain control over their voices without any indefinite loss. Meta aims to finalize these deals ahead of its Connect technology conference in late September, during which the company intends to introduce new AI-centric products.
If successful, this initiative has the potential to revolutionize our interaction with technology, making virtual assistants not only functional but also entertaining and familiar due to the incorporation of voices from beloved stars.
