Meta Recruits Celebrities like Awkwafina to Voice AI Assistants Before Meta Connect Event

Judi Dench, Keegan-Michael Key, and Awkwafina are among several prominent voices being considered for Meta’s AI initiatives, as reported by Bloomberg. The company is moving swiftly to finalize deals to showcase these new voices at its Meta Connect conference in September.

Reports indicate that one key product, titled MetaAI, will serve as a digital assistant. Meta is currently in negotiations with major Hollywood talent agencies to secure these voices, potentially offering millions to participating actors. Similar substantial payments were made last year for voices used in Meta's discontinued AI chatbots.

The contracts for these voice actors would be temporary, allowing them the option to renew once the term concludes. These voices are expected to appear across Meta's platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses.

While the concept of celebrity voices is not new—Waze has featured them for years, and Meta had a celebrity AI chatbot feature that was recently removed—generative AI has significantly advanced in replicating human voices. For instance, OpenAI's GPT-4o showcased a chatbot that remarkably resembled Scarlett Johansson's voice, demonstrating the potential for more authentic interactions.

Imagine having Awkwafina's unique voice guiding you, or Dame Judi Dench narrating your experiences. The thought of having an iconic personality provide insights as you explore would make the technology feel far less trivial. The blend of star power and advanced AI could lead to a more engaging user experience in Meta's applications.