In light of OpenAI‘s simulation of Scarlett Johansson’s voice, Meta is pivoting to secure voice rights directly from Hollywood stars, potentially involving substantial financial deals. The move follows criticism from Johansson, who felt “shocked and angered” by the use of a voice eerily similar to hers in AI demonstrations.
This controversy highlights the growing tension between AI advancements and the creative industries, with concerns about copyright infringement becoming increasingly prevalent.
Meta’s previous venture into celebrity-styled chatbots, announced at last year’s Connect Conference, allowed users to engage with AI models of celebrities via direct messages. However, the novelty quickly wore off, and the tech giant has begun phasing out these chatbots due to low user engagement.
Meta announced at the 2024 Meta Connect conference that they will be integrating the voices of renowned celebrities like Awkwafina, Judi Dench, and Keegan-Michael Key into their AI products. This initiative aims to elevate the user experience of its digital assistant, MetaAI, by infusing it with a touch of star power.
Meta is swiftly finalising agreements with top talent from Hollywood, ensuring these new voices are ready for a grand reveal in September. The intent is to create a more engaging and personable interaction between users and their digital assistants, spanning various platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses.
As the digital landscape evolves, Meta’s initiative could redefine how we interact with AI, turning routine commands into engaging conversations. Whether it’s getting directions from Judi Dench or receiving social media notifications through Awkwafina’s distinctive voice, Meta is set to add a layer of star power and functionality to our digital routines.
When Marcus is not trying to full combo a song on his favourite rhythm games, he’s either reading or watching some obscure Japanese mystery show/novel. Don’t ask him how much his Arkham Horror collection costs either, it’s his most closely guarded secret.
Natalie
