In a development at Meta’s annual Connect conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that renowned actors Dame Judi Dench and John Cena will be voice options for the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot.
Users can also engage with AI versions of popular celebrities such as Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, and Kristen Bell, adding a unique and personable touch to their interactions with the technology.
Zuckerberg emphasized the significance of voice in user interaction with AI, stating, “I think that voice is going to be a way more natural way of interacting with AI than text.”
This sentiment is reflected in Meta AI’s latest enhancements, which include the ability to recognise objects in photographs and provide users with relevant information about them. Additionally, an innovative image editing feature will enable users to modify photos simply by instructing the Meta AI on desired changes.
The conference highlighted the growing popularity of Meta AI, with the company reporting over 400 million users each month, 185 million of whom return weekly. This impressive user engagement demonstrates the increasing reliance on AI technology in everyday life.
In addition to advancements in AI, Zuckerberg showcased the first working prototype of Meta’s new augmented-reality (AR) glasses, dubbed Orion.
He noted the excitement surrounding the technology, stating, “A lot of people have said this is the craziest technology they’ve ever seen.” The Orion glasses will allow users to interact through hand-tracking, voice commands, and a wrist-based interface, marking a significant step forward in AR capabilities.
Furthermore, Meta announced an entry-level version of its Quest line of mixed-reality headsets, with the new Quest 3S priced starting at $300 (£225). This move aims to make mixed-reality technology more accessible to a broader audience.
Despite the competition, with various technology firms developing AR glasses, none have yet achieved commercially successful mass-market devices. Meta has been investing heavily in AI, AR, and metaverse technologies, with projections suggesting expenditures could reach a record high of $40 billion this year.
Before the conference, Meta’s shares closed at a record high of $568.31, reflecting a surge of over 60% in market value since the beginning of the year. The company’s continued focus on innovation positions it as a key player in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, with ambitious plans to shape the future of artificial intelligence and augmented reality.
Chioma Kalu
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