Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is reportedly in talks with A-list actors and influencers to incorporate their voices into its AI offerings. According to Bloomberg, celebrities such as Judi Dench, Keegan-Michael Key, and Awkwafina are among those being considered. The company is eager to finalize these deals in time for the Meta Connect conference scheduled for September.
If these negotiations are successful, Meta’s digital assistant product, known as MetaAI, may feature the voices of these celebrities. This move would not only add a touch of star power to the platform but also enhance user experience across Meta’s social media ecosystem, including Facebook and Instagram, as well as Meta’s smart glasses.
A Comparison to Existing Celebrity Voice Features
While the concept of celebrity voice directions is not new, with platforms like Waze offering similar features, the effectiveness of these implementations has been debated. Previous attempts, such as Meta’s discontinued celebrity AI chatbots, have been criticized for quickly losing their novelty. However, the use of generative AI, as demonstrated by OpenAI’s GPT-4o mimicking Scarlett Johansson’s voice, shows promise in creating more authentic experiences.
Having familiar and distinct voices like Awkwafina’s or Dame Judi Dench’s on MetaAI could potentially enhance engagement and user interaction. However, the success of this endeavor hinges on whether these celebrity voices can offer the same functionality and utility as the regular AI assistant. It remains to be seen how Meta will address this aspect when announcing the featured voices.
Final Thoughts on Meta’s Strategy
While the incorporation of A-list voices into Meta’s AI offerings may seem like a lucrative and innovative move, the long-term success of this strategy depends on more than just celebrity endorsements. User feedback and the actual utility of these voices in enhancing the AI experience will ultimately determine the effectiveness of Meta’s approach. Only time will tell if this endeavor will truly revolutionize the way we interact with AI technology.
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