Meta, the tech company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is exploring an exciting new project that could change how we interact with digital assistants. Imagine asking your virtual assistant about the weather and hearing the voice of Dame Judi Dench, or getting a humorous traffic update from comedian Keegan-Michael Key. This innovative idea is part of Meta’s ongoing efforts to enhance its AI capabilities.
According to the New York Times, Meta is in discussions with several high-profile actors and influencers to incorporate their voices into a digital assistant product called MetaAI. Some of the notable names in these talks include Judi Dench, Awkwafina, and Keegan-Michael Key. The negotiations are still in progress, and there is no certainty that these celebrities will sign on. Dame Judi Dench is an acclaimed British actress renowned for her versatile performances on stage and screen. With a career spanning over six decades, she has garnered numerous awards, including an Academy Award, multiple BAFTAs, and Laurence Olivier Awards. Known for her powerful presence and exceptional talent, Dench has played iconic roles in films such as “Shakespeare in Love,” “Skyfall,” and “Philomena.”
If the deals go through, Meta could be paying millions of dollars in fees to secure their voices, highlighting the significant investment and high stakes involved.
Voice-enabled chatbots are becoming a central focus in the development of AI. These virtual assistants can interact with users through voice, making the experience more engaging and personalised. Earlier this year, OpenAI, another leader in AI development, introduced a version of its ChatGPT that could handle voice commands, images, and videos. This demonstrated the potential for AI to become more integrated into our daily lives. However, OpenAI had to pause the rollout after actress Scarlett Johansson raised concerns about the unauthorised use of a voice resembling hers.
To avoid similar controversies, Meta is negotiating these deals with celebrities in a structured manner. The proposed contracts would involve recording the voices of these stars for use in MetaAI. Users could then interact with these voices across Meta’s various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and even the Ray-Ban augmented reality glasses. These agreements would be for a fixed term, ensuring that the actors do not lose indefinite control over their voices.
Meta aims to finalise these deals before its Connect technology conference in late September, where the company plans to unveil new AI-focused products. If successful, this initiative could revolutionise our interaction with technology. Virtual assistants would not only be helpful but also entertaining and familiar, thanks to the voices of our favourite stars.