In addition to expanding its AI research talent pool, Meta appears to be keen on enriching its consumer-facing AI capabilities and is in talks to acquire a voice-cloning startup called Play AI, Bloomberg reports, citing anonymous sources. According to reports, the technology giant plans to acquire the startup’s technology and absorb some of its employees.
According to Play AI’s official website, the company allows anyone to clone multiple types of sounds for use in artificial intelligence-driven scenarios such as customer service. The startup has raised $23.5 million in funding from investors including 500 Startups, Kindred Ventures, Race Capital, 500 Global and Soma Capital, according to Crunchbase.
Meta currently allows creators on its social platform to build their own chatbots and has added video editing capabilities to its Meta AI chatbot. Acquiring the voice startup will allow Meta to incorporate audio capabilities into its creative suite.
Neither Meta nor Play AI immediately responded to requests for comment.