Meta has acquired Play AI, a company that specialises in creating realistic, human-like voices using artificial intelligence. The acquisition will see the entire Play AI team joining Meta next week, where they will report to Johan Schalkwyk, a former leader in speech AI at Google. While the financial terms have not been disclosed, this acquisition is a clear indication of Meta’s continued push to strengthen its AI capabilities, particularly in voice technology.
Play AI’s technology is known for its ability to generate low-latency, multilingual text-to-speech, which is crucial for improving voice interactions across Meta’s platforms. By integrating Play AI’s voice tech into products like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Meta’s wearable devices, the company aims to create more natural and responsive AI experiences for users. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance AI-powered tools that can better assist users in their day-to-day interactions with Meta’s platforms.
Meta’s strategy to build a more AI-focused future is backed by several major moves, including its $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI. The company has also been aggressively recruiting top AI talent, including individuals from well-known organisations like OpenAI and Apple. With these investments, Meta is aiming to lead the AI race, ensuring its platforms are not just competitive but at the forefront of technological innovation.
The acquisition of Play AI adds a valuable layer of expertise to Meta’s AI team, with the potential to revolutionise the way users interact with its technology. The voice technology Play AI has developed will help Meta offer more advanced and personalised experiences, allowing for smoother and more efficient interactions with its products.
This is just one of many steps Meta is taking to make AI a central part of its future. As the company continues to evolve and expand its AI capabilities, the integration of Play AI’s technology will be a key piece of its strategy to provide smarter, more intuitive experiences for millions of users around the world.
