Introduction

In an exciting announcement, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, revealed that renowned actress Dame Judi Dench and wrestling superstar John Cena will be among the voice options for its new artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot. This innovative move aims to offer users a more engaging and personalized interaction with AI.

Celebrity Voice Options

In addition to Dench and Cena, users will also have the option to interact with AI versions of other popular celebrities, including Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, and Kristen Bell. This strategy reflects Meta's ambition to create a more vibrant and human-like experience for users engaging with AI technology.

Previous Attempt

However, Meta is hoping this endeavor will be more successful than their previous attempt at celebrity chatbots. Last September, the company launched AI chatbots with personalities inspired by celebrities such as Kendall Jenner and Snoop Dogg, only to discontinue them within a year due to lackluster reception.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg's Insights

At Meta’s annual Connect conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the naturalness of using voice for AI interaction compared to traditional text typing. 'I think that voice is going to be a way more natural way of interacting with AI than text,' he noted, pointing towards a shift in user expectations and engagement.

New Capabilities of the Chatbot

Beyond just celebrity voices, the updated chatbot will offer exciting capabilities such as recognizing objects in photos and providing related information. Users will also benefit from an image editing feature that allows for simple alterations through voice instructions.

User Engagement

Meta proudly stated that more than 400 million individuals interact with Meta AI each month, with an impressive 185 million users returning weekly to explore its features.

Augmented Reality Glasses Prototype

During the conference, Zuckerberg also unveiled the prototype of Meta’s cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) glasses, named Orion. Showcasing the device, he noted that many attendees expressed amazement, saying, 'A lot of people have said this is the craziest technology they’ve ever seen.' Users will interact with these glasses through hand-tracking, voice commands, and a wrist-based interface.

New Entry-Level Mixed-Reality Headsets

Furthermore, Meta announced a new entry-level version of its Quest mixed-reality headsets, with the Quest 3S priced at an attractive starting point of $300 (£225). As competition heats up in the AR space, major tech companies, including Meta, are investing heavily to launch commercially successful products.

Meta's Investments in Technology

In a significant year for Meta, the company is projected to invest up to $40 billion in new technology initiatives, marking a historic high for spending efforts. Just before this high-profile event, Meta shares reached a record peak of $568.31, with the company's stock value soaring over 60% since January.

Misinformation Challenges

Despite these promising developments, the tech giant faced misinformation challenges, as a viral post falsely claimed that users had to repost a message to prevent Meta from utilizing their content for AI training. Notable figures, including actors James McAvoy and Tom Brady, were misled by this rumor. However, a Meta spokesperson clarified that users can officially object to the use of their content through a notification or via the privacy center in their account settings.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for more updates on Meta’s revolutionary steps in AI, augmented reality, and how your interaction with technology may soon include conversations with your favorite celebrities!