Meta is turning heads with its latest move to feature high-profile celebrities in its AI assistant lineup. According to Bloomberg, the tech giant is negotiating with stars like Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, and Judi Dench to lend their voices to its upcoming AI products. The company is reportedly pushing to finalize these deals in time for its Meta Connect conference in September, where the new voices will be showcased.
The digital assistant, tentatively called MetaAI, is expected to integrate these celebrity voices across various Meta platforms. This includes Facebook, Instagram, and Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. Meta’s ambitious plans involve working closely with top Hollywood talent agencies and offering substantial payments—potentially in the millions—to secure these voices. The contracts are said to be temporary, with options for actors to renew their agreements.
This initiative marks a significant shift in how AI assistants are perceived. While celebrity voice implementations have existed before, often as novelty features in apps like Waze, Meta’s approach aims to blend high-profile voices with advanced generative AI technology. This promises a more authentic and engaging experience compared to past efforts, such as Meta’s discontinued AI chatbots from last year.
Meta’s strategy to incorporate recognizable voices into its AI offerings reflects a broader trend of leveraging celebrity appeal in tech innovations. Generative AI has made notable strides in voice mimicry, exemplified by OpenAI’s recent demo of a chatbot with a voice strikingly similar to Scarlett Johansson.
The excitement around Meta’s plans underscores a growing interest in integrating more personalized and relatable elements into digital interactions. For more details on Meta’s latest venture, check out The Verge.