Meta is in discussions to acquire Play AI, a voice cloning startup, according to a report by Bloomberg citing unnamed sources.
The move is understood to form part of the company’s strategy to strengthen its artificial intelligence research and expand its consumer-facing features.
The report stated that Meta aims to purchase the startup’s underlying technology and integrate some of its staff into its existing teams.
According to its website, Play AI enables users to replicate a variety of human voices for use in artificial intelligence applications, including customer service. The startup has raised $23.5 million in funding to date, with investors including 500 Startups, Kindred Ventures, Race Capital, 500 Global and Soma Capital, as reported by Crunchbase.
Meta currently allows content creators on its platforms to develop their own chatbots and has recently added video editing tools to its Meta AI assistant. The acquisition of a voice cloning firm would enable the company to incorporate audio capabilities into its creative tools.
Meta declined to comment on the matter. Play AI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
