Meta has introduced AI-powered chatbots with voices of Hollywood celebrities like John Cena and Judi Dench, aiming to engage its vast user base. At Meta’s annual product launch, CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed optimism about voice interaction becoming a primary mode of engagement with AI, describing it as superior to other methods.
The launch follows OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT’s voice feature, which faced backlash for resembling actress Scarlett Johansson’s voice. Unlike OpenAI, Meta has secured permission from the celebrities involved, with the AI voice tool set to be available across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. However, due to concerns over EU data protection laws, the tool won’t be accessible in Europe.
Meta’s AI uses data from its platforms, raising compliance challenges in Europe. Similar to ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, Meta AI assists with answering questions, generating images, crafting messages, and offering companionship. According to Meta, 400 million people already engage with Meta AI at least once a month, although critics argue many users encounter it unintentionally due to its replacement of search functions on apps like WhatsApp.
With competition from Google, Microsoft, and Apple, Meta aims to expand its AI’s capabilities in image recognition, recipe suggestions, and image editing. Despite investor concerns over Meta’s heavy AI and virtual reality investments, the company’s profits have surged, with a 60% rise in its stock price this year, driven by strong advertising results.
However, experts like Carolina Milanesi from Creative Strategies caution that Meta’s biggest challenge will be addressing consumer concerns over privacy and data use.
