Meta introduces celebrity voices for AI Chat on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp

Meta has officially launched its much-awaited AI voice chat feature during the Meta Connect 2024 event. After rumors earlier this week, the company confirmed the new feature as part of its wider AI advancements. The voice chat option lets users talk to Meta AI directly without typing or reading text. In addition to this, Meta introduces celebrity voices as part of the feature, allowing users to engage with AI that sounds like their favorite public figures. This was a key highlight among the various AI updates Meta presented at the event, showing the company’s push towards making interactions easier and more natural for users.

While the voice chat feature will be available across platforms like Messenger, Facebook, Instagram Direct Messages, and WhatsApp, it has drawn attention for being more of a basic read-aloud experience rather than an emotive, human-like interaction. Meta has described the voice as being similar to text-to-speech tools, without significant voice modulation. However, despite the limitations in tone and emotional expressiveness, the feature will be available for free to all users, setting it apart from other paid services offered by competitors.

Meta AI voice

The voice chat feature allows users to ask questions or give prompts verbally, with the AI responding in a voice rather than text. While similar to offerings from companies like OpenAI and Google, Meta’s voice chat is less advanced in terms of emotional expressiveness. For instance, OpenAI’s advanced voice mode in ChatGPT mimics human-like responses, with expressive and real-time interactions that can react to a user’s words in a more dynamic way. Meta’s voice, in comparison, feels more robotic and does not offer real-time reactions or emotions.

During a live demo at Meta Connect 2024, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg demonstrated the feature using the voice of actress and comedian Awkwafina. When Zuckerberg asked the AI system if live demos were risky, it humorously responded in Awkwafina’s voice: “Live demos can be risky, yes. They can be unpredictable, prone to technical issues and potentially embarrassing. However, they can also be engaging.” This lighthearted exchange was part of Meta’s effort to showcase the fun and entertainment value the celebrity-voiced AI could bring to the user experience.

Celebrity voices on Meta AI

One of the standout elements of Meta’s new voice chat feature is the inclusion of celebrity voices. During the presentation, Zuckerberg revealed that users will have the option to choose from a range of voices, including those of celebrities like Awkwafina, Dame Judi Dench, John Cena, Keegan-Michael Key, and Kristen Bell. Meta has secured deals with these stars to use their voices for the AI, with plans to introduce additional celebrity voices in the future.

The addition of celebrity voices is expected to increase the feature’s appeal, making it more engaging and entertaining for users. This approach is designed to set Meta’s AI apart from competitors by offering a more personalized and recognizable voice experience. The company’s decision to collaborate with celebrities follows a similar move by other AI platforms, though Meta has aimed to make its celebrity voices more interactive and playful.

How to use meta’s voice chat feature?

To use the voice chat feature, users will need to access the Meta AI interface on any of the platforms that support it, such as Messenger, Instagram DM, Facebook, or WhatsApp. A waveform icon next to the text field will indicate the voice chat mode. By tapping on the icon, users can start speaking their queries or prompts, and Meta AI will respond verbally in the selected voice. The voice chat feature includes controls for adjusting the speaker, muting, or switching to text messages if needed.

Meta’s entry into the AI voice chat space comes just months after OpenAI introduced its own voice mode, which also sparked interest and some controversy. OpenAI faced criticism after users noticed that one of its voices resembled actress Scarlett Johansson, who played an AI in the film Her. Meta, however, has taken a different approach by openly collaborating with celebrities and emphasizing the entertainment value of the feature.

With the rollout of these new AI tools, Meta aims to provide users with more interactive and fun ways to engage with its platforms, positioning itself in the growing AI market alongside other tech giants. The voice chat feature will start rolling out this week, with further expansions and updates expected in the coming months.

Meta’s focus on making its AI accessible and entertaining reflects the company’s broader strategy to enhance user experience while staying competitive in the evolving AI landscape. The celebrity-voiced chatbots, along with future upgrades, are likely to play a key role in Meta’s plans to expand its AI capabilities across its platforms.

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