Meta and OpenAI expand AI chatbot voice features

OpenAI plans to restructure, giving Sam Altman equity and loosening non-profit control

September 26, 2024

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Latest headlines 👇

OpenAI is set to restructure into a for-profit benefit corporation, removing its non-profit board’s control. CEO Sam Altman will receive equity for the first time, with OpenAI's valuation expected to reach $150 billion. The move is aimed at making the company more attractive to investors, though it raises concerns about AI safety and governance. The restructuring follows leadership changes and marks a shift in how OpenAI operates, moving closer to a traditional for-profit model. Read more

James Cameron, famed director of The Terminator and Avatar, has joined StabilityAI’s board to explore the intersection of AI and CGI. While Cameron once warned of rogue AI in The Terminator, his role at StabilityAI focuses on using AI for special effects and video generation, helping develop tools like Stable Video Diffusion. Cameron’s move into the AI space comes as debates over AI’s creative potential and copyright issues heat up, especially with competitors like OpenAI’s Sora gaining traction in Hollywood. Read more

Blackstone has confirmed a £10 billion ($13.3 billion) investment to build a massive AI data center in Blyth, northeast England. The project, set to begin construction next year, will create 4,000 jobs, including 1,200 for construction. The site, previously intended for a battery factory, will now house the energy-intensive AI data center, boosting the local economy. Blackstone will also invest £110 million in a fund for skills training and infrastructure improvements in the region. Read more

A viral Instagram post titled "Goodbye Meta AI" claims to revoke Meta's right to use personal data and photos for AI. However, the disclaimer holds no legal weight and won’t change Meta’s policies. Users must delete their accounts to stop Meta from using their data. While Meta does offer ways to object to data processing in the UK and EU, re-sharing the viral post has no real impact. If you’re concerned about how your data is used, it’s better to explore Meta's official objection process. Read more

Meta and OpenAI are both adding voice capabilities to their AI chatbots, intensifying the race to enhance bot interactivity. Meta’s AI will soon feature celebrity voices like Judi Dench, Kristen Bell, John Cena, Awkwafina, and Keegan-Michael Key, debuting during Meta’s annual Facebook Connect conference. Meanwhile, OpenAI is broadening access to its Advanced Voice Mode (AVM), allowing more natural speech and interaction for ChatGPT users. OpenAI’s update, available to Plus and Team users, includes five new voices and will reach Enterprise and Edu tiers next week. Read more

At its annual Meta Connect conference, Meta introduced the Quest 3S, a lower-cost virtual reality headset starting at $299, available from October 15. The company also showcased its Orion augmented reality glasses prototype, boasting the industry’s widest field of view. Alongside hardware, Meta unveiled AI advancements, including Llama 3.2 with vision capabilities and a mobile-friendly version. AI integration across Meta’s platforms now includes voice capabilities, photo editing, and live translation features for Ray-Ban Smart glasses. Meta’s push for accessible VR and AI solidifies its position as a leader in immersive tech. Read more