Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is set to launch an exciting new audio feature for its Meta AI chatbot. Users will soon have the option to select voices from a lineup of well-known celebrities, including actors John Cena, Kristen Bell, Judi Dench, Awkwafina, and Keegan-Michael Key. This feature aims to enrich user interaction with Meta’s digital assistant across its various apps, starting in the U.S. and other English-speaking markets this week.
The Celebrity Voice Feature
According to reports, the new voice options will include both celebrity voices and several generic alternatives, allowing users to personalize their chatbot experience. The announcement follows earlier reports from Bloomberg, which revealed that Meta has been engaging celebrities for their voices in AI projects.
Mark Zuckerberg’s Teaser
Last week, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared a promotional video on Instagram featuring John Cena and others showcasing stunts while wearing Ray-Ban Meta glasses. This video aligns with Meta’s initiative to integrate advanced technologies, including its AI chatbot, into their products.
The official unveiling of the celebrity voice feature is anticipated during Meta’s annual Connect conference, which begins on Wednesday. This event will also see the introduction of Meta’s first augmented reality (AR) glasses, furthering the company’s efforts to incorporate generative AI into its hardware products.
Competing in the AI Arena
As competition intensifies in the AI sector, Meta is keen on enhancing its AI tools to rival tech giants like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google. Earlier this year, OpenAI rolled out a similar audio feature for its chatbot, which faced backlash when actress Scarlett Johansson claimed the AI voice closely resembled hers without her consent.
In light of these developments, Meta is making significant upgrades to its chatbot capabilities, aiming to embed it more centrally within the user experience across its platforms.
A Shift Toward Personalization
Meta has been exploring AI chatbots for a while, having introduced text-based chatbot characters inspired by celebrities like Paris Hilton and Snoop Dogg last year. However, those attempts did not garner significant user interest. Now, the company is shifting focus to its AI Studio, a tool designed to allow content creators to craft their own personalized chatbot versions, signaling a move toward more individualized AI experiences.
As Meta prepares to unveil its new features, including celebrity voices for its AI assistant, it appears poised to enhance user engagement while navigating the competitive landscape of artificial intelligence.
