Smallest.ai raises $13M to build ultra-fast voice AI that sounds genuinely human

Smallest.ai raises M to build ultra-fast voice AI that sounds genuinely human

Source: The Verge

Summary

A startup is working on voice models for AI phone calls that aim to pass the Turing test. The company’s goal is to make AI-generated voices indistinguishable from human voices. According to the report, the startup is using machine learning algorithms to improve the naturalness of AI speech. The Turing test is a benchmark for measuring a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of a human.


Our Reading

The launch follows a familiar script.

Another AI-powered voice model promises to revolutionize phone calls. This one claims to make AI voices pass the Turing test. Because what could possibly go wrong with AI-generated voices on the phone? The startup is using machine learning to make AI speech sound more natural. Because “natural” is exactly what you want from a robot on the phone.

Déjà Vu All Over Again

We’ve seen this movie before. Remember when AI chatbots were supposed to change customer service forever? Yeah, that didn’t exactly work out as planned.

The Turing Test: A Moving Target

The Turing test has been the holy grail of AI research for decades. But let’s be real, it’s not like it’s a particularly high bar to clear. We’re talking about a test that was designed in the 1950s.

The AI Hype Cycle

This is just another example of the AI hype cycle in action. We’ve got a startup making big promises, a fancy new technology, and a healthy dose of skepticism from the rest of us.

The Voice Model Mirage

Voice models are all the rage these days. But let’s not forget that we’ve been here before. Remember those AI-powered virtual assistants that were supposed to change the world? Yeah, they’re still stuck in the uncanny valley.

The Real Question

The real question is, do we really want AI-generated voices on the phone? Is this really the future we want?


Author: Evan Null