Amazon brings AI to audiobooks

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AMAZON TO LET AUDIBLE NARRATORS CLONE THEMSELVES WITH AI 📚

I’ve really been enjoying the Where’s Waldo audiobook. “Not Waldo, not Waldo, not Waldo, not Waldo, not Waldo, Waldo, not Waldo, not Waldo… WALDO!”

What’s new? Amazon is launching a beta program allowing Audible narrators to create AI-generated clones of their voices for audiobooks.

Why? This initiative, starting with a select group of US-based narrators, aims to expedite audiobook production. This will allow for more free-flowing and wide-ranging audiobook creation and availability.

How will this impact human narrators? Human narrators will have full creative control over their AI replicas, choosing which projects to audition for and using Amazon’s tools to fine-tune pronunciation and pacing. The AI-generated performances will also be reviewed by the narrators before finalization and publication from Audible. As Amazon stated, “Audible will not separately use a narrator’s voice replica for any content without their approval.”

Who gets the money? The compensation model for this program will operate on a “title-by-title” basis, though details on earnings remain vague. Narrators won’t be charged for creating their voice replicas during the beta period, but future costs could be introduced if the feature expands.

MUSK PUTS TESLA-XAI REVENUE SHARING RUMORS TO BED 🛌

I've heard rumors that acid is dangerous. Pretty sure they are “baseless” though. 🧪

What’s up? Despite rumors of all kinds, Elon Musk has denied claims that his AI startup, xAI, is in talks with Tesla regarding a revenue-sharing deal.

Want some context? A recent Wall Street Journal report suggested that Tesla might license xAI’s AI models to enhance its full self-driving (FSD) technology and share revenue with the startup. The Journal report also hinted at potential collaborations between xAI and Tesla, including the development of voice assistants for Tesla vehicles and AI technology for the Optimus humanoid robot. However, Musk refuted this on X (above), stating, “Tesla has learned a lot from discussions with engineers at xAI … but there is no need to license anything.”

What’s the significance? Elon Musk has been running the tech world for the past few years, and as a result, his actions remain under a spotlight, especially from investors. Since the rise of GenAI, Musk has been seeming to give Tesla leftover effort and resources, focusing much of his attention on xAI and SpaceX. All of these joint ventures are worth keeping an eye on, and even though these companies might not be sharing revenue (yet), surely they are all working together as some sort of Musk master plan.

A GLOBAL EFFORT FOR RESPONSIBLE AI USE IN THE MILITARY 🪖

Q: What is a soldier’s favorite month?

A: March. 🫡

What happened? Over 60 countries, including the U.S., endorsed a “blueprint for action” to promote responsible use of AI in the military.

Want the details? This endorsement came at the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summit in Seoul. The document, though non-binding, is aimed at fostering international cooperation on regulating AI’s military applications. The blueprint introduces measures such as ensuring human control over AI systems and addressing the risks of AI being used to proliferate weapons of mass destruction. Notably, China declined to back the blueprint, which has stirred massive debates over global collaboration.

“WATCH THIS” WEDNESDAY 👀

Lately, our FryAI team has been exploring AI’s impact on education. This short video outlines the key issues in a fun, easy-to-understand way. Check it out:

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