AI Generated Speech for Virtual Worlds

⊲ AInvest ⊳ Meta has acquired WaveForms, an AI audio startup launched in December 2024 and specialising in human-level speech generation and emotional AI, aiming for a “Speech Turing Test.” This move aims to enhance Meta’s audio technology, particularly for the metaverse and voice assistants. Founded by Alexis Conneau, a Meta/OpenAI alumnus and GPT-4o developer, and Coralie Lemaitre, a former Google strategist, WaveForms had raised $40 million from Andreessen Horowitz. Both founders have joined Meta’s Superintelligence Labs. The deal follows Meta’s PlayAI purchase, with observers noting concerns over deepfakes and AI transparency.
⊲ Image – WaveForms ⊳