Meta Platforms Inc., the owner of Instagram and Facebook, is planning a major move. The company is offering millions of dollars to Hollywood celebrities for the right to use their voices in AI projects.
This exciting development will be unveiled at Meta’s Connect event in September 2024.
Big Names, Big Budgets
Meta is reaching out to some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, and Judi Dench.
They offer millions of dollars to actors and actresses to use their voices in various AI applications.
This includes virtual assistants, interactive games, and digital avatars. The goal is to create more natural and engaging AI interactions.
These stars keep things private due to the sensitive nature of the project. While Meta hasn’t officially commented, the buzz is about an AI tool that might include a chatbot similar to Apple’s Siri.
Why Celebrities?
Meta’s investment in celebrity voices is a step towards a future where AI mimics human speech better.
Celebrities have unique and recognizable voices that make AI interactions more attractive and trusted.
By using famous voices, Meta hopes to attract more users to their AI products. This strategy also helps create a more personalized experience for users.
It could lead to AI that understands and responds to emotions, making technology more accessible and user-friendly.
Challenges in the Agreement
It’s not all fun and games. Meta wants broad rights to use voices not just for chatbots but for various AI projects over a fixed period.
To protect their clients, actors’ representatives have demanded stricter limits. Hollywood fears AI; the creative community worries about job losses.
In the last few years, AI has caused a sensation in Hollywood. Last year, the SAG-AFTRA union held a large-scale strike to protect against AI misuse. An agreement was eventually reached with Meta, but the details remain closely guarded.
As we wait for more details, the big question is: Will Meta succeed in bringing these iconic voices to their AI projects?