This is set to make AI sound even more glamorous as Meta Platforms Inc goes on a shopping spree in Hollywood getting signatures of a different kind –voice prints.
Image source: NDTV
Celebrities in the Spotlight
Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, is reportedly in talks with Hollywood stars including Judi Dench, Awkwafina and Keegan-Michael Key. The goal? It is to ensure that their soothing voices are captured for AI projects to maybe translate your next conversation with a bot to a tête-à-tête with Dame Judi Dench.
The AI Red Carpet
Despite being secretive about the timing of its launch, insiders indicate that Meta might unveil the product in September 2024 at the Connect event. Just think about commanding Awkwafina-bot for the weather forecast or having Keegan-Michael Key’s AI doppelganger tell some jokes. It is like having a celebrity support system in your pocket!
Show Me the Money… and the Fine Print
Deals are getting more complicated than when trying to instruct an AI to perform an eye roll. Meta seeks broad licenses for fixed terms while celebs’ reps seek more restrictive measures. This is because it’s a serious contractual battle of wits where millions of dollars are at stake.
Hollywood’s AI Jitters
The project has provoked controversy in Hollywood because expectations that artificial intelligence will outcompete talent are high. Such issues were evident in labor strikes that occurred last year, although it is important to note that SAG-AFTRA has apparently cleared Meta’s project.
Meta’s AI Greatest Hits (and Misses)
This is not Meta’s first time at the AI rodeo. Earlier they experimented with celebrity chatbots based on Dwyane Wade and Paris Hilton, but this program has been discontinued and rode off into the sunset. They have also started an AI studio for content creators to ‘bot-ify’ themselves.
As Meta continues its quest to make AI sound more like your favorite stars, one thing’s clear: the future of tech might just have a Hollywood accent.
Conclusion
While Meta goes on with its celebrity-powered AI project, the tech world watches in anticipation. Will we be seeking directions from a digital Judi Dench anytime soon? Or getting unwanted life coaching from Awkwafina’s digital clone? Only time will tell. But one thing’s certain: The distance between Silicon Valley and Hollywood is becoming more indistinguishable than the difference between two pixels in a HD movie. With celebrities also likely to join the AI bandwagon, all of us may not be very far from interacting with Kevin Bacon’s chatbot. In this brave new world of talking tech, remember: If your AI assistant suddenly becomes fussy and wants a trailer and a latte, you’ll know who to blame.
FAQs
Q1: Which celebrities is Meta reportedly approaching for this project?
A: Meta is reportedly in talks with Judi Dench, Awkwafina, and Keegan-Michael Key, among others.
Q2: What is the purpose of Meta acquiring celebrity voices?
A: Meta plans to use these voices for AI projects, potentially including chatbots or digital assistants.
Q3: When does Meta plan to unveil these AI tools?
A: Meta is aiming to showcase these tools at their Connect 2024 event in September.
Q4: Will users be able to interact with these AI voices?
A: While not confirmed, the article suggests users might be able to speak with chatbots using celebrity voices.
Q5: Is this project related to Meta’s AI studio for content creators?
A: While separate, both initiatives show Meta’s interest in personalizing AI experiences.
Q6: Are there any ethical concerns about this project?
A: The project raises questions about AI’s impact on the entertainment industry and the use of personal attributes like voices in technology.
Amit Gupta is a tech lover and an enthusiastic blogger who completed his B.Tech in Computer Science. An enthusiast of emerging technology and discoveries, he shares valuable views and tips on his blog from his personal experiences. Through his articles, he tries to simplify tech concepts and put readers in the position to take responsible decisions in the rapidly changing digital infrastructure world. Follow me on Facebook and linkedin.