Judi Dench and John Cena Lending Their Voices to Meta AI Chatbot
Meta Introduces Celebrity Voices for AI Chatbot
Meta, the company behind Instagram, has announced that users will soon have the option to interact with its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot using voices from well-known celebrities. Dame Judi Dench and John Cena are among the prominent figures whose voices will be available, alongside other popular stars such as Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, and Kristen Bell.
Learning from Past Experiences
Meta is optimistic about this new approach with celebrity chatbots, especially after their previous attempt failed. In September 2023, the company launched AI chatbots featuring personalities like Kendall Jenner and Snoop Dogg. However, this initiative was discontinued in less than a year due to various challenges. During the recent Connect conference, Meta’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Zuckerberg, shared the company’s renewed focus on enhancing user interaction with AI technology.
Voice Interaction in AI Chatbots
Zuckerberg believes that using voice will provide a more natural way to interact with AI compared to text-based communication. This method is expected to enhance the user experience significantly.
In addition to the voice feature, the new AI chatbot will also be capable of:
- Recognizing Images: Users can take photos, and the AI will provide relevant information about what is depicted.
- Editing Photos: Users will be able to modify images simply by telling the AI what changes they wish to make.
According to Meta, over 400 million people now engage with their AI technology each month, with around 185 million users returning on a weekly basis.
Augmented Reality Innovations
During the conference, Zuckerberg showcased the first working prototype of Meta’s augmented reality (AR) glasses, named Orion. He claimed that the glasses represent some of the most exciting technology that people have seen.
Features of Orion Glasses
The Orion glasses offer a range of interactive features:
- Hand-Tracking: Users can navigate the interface using hand gestures.
- Voice Control: Voice commands will enable users to interact seamlessly with the device.
- Wrist-Based Interface: This feature allows for additional control options.
Alongside the Orion glasses, Meta has introduced a more affordable model in their Quest line of mixed-reality headsets. The new Quest 3S starts at a price point of $300 (£225).
Market Position and Investments
Meta has dedicated extensive resources to the development of AI, AR, and other metaverse technologies. The company anticipates spending up to $40 billion on new projects this year, marking a significant investment in innovation. Prior to the annual event, Meta’s shares reached a record high of $568.31, reflecting a rise in the company’s stock market value by more than 60% since the beginning of the year.
Despite these developments, not all news surrounding Meta has been positive. Ahead of the Connect conference, some Facebook and Instagram users, including celebrities, shared a misleading post claiming that reposting was necessary to prevent Meta from using their content to train AI models. Notably, actors like James McAvoy and Tom Brady fell for this hoax. A Meta spokesperson clarified that users can only object to the use of their content by submitting a formal objection through a notification or the privacy center within account settings.
Meta’s ongoing innovations in AI and AR signify its commitment to transforming how users interact with technology and pave the way for future advancements in the digital landscape.
