Artificial Intelligence (AI) Voice Clones, a technology that utilizes machine learning to simulate an individual’s voice, is gaining widespread recognition for its applications in audio editing, dubbing and transcription of audio files. It even has the ability to create synthetic voices that sound like a real human voice. AI voice cloning services such as Descript, Coqui and Speechify are already available. The largest market for AI Voice Clones, however, is in the audiobook industry.
With more than 50% of Americans projected to listen to audiobooks by 2022 according to Edison Research, there is a growing demand for high-quality and diverse audio content. The three biggest players in the audiobook industry – Amazon, Apple, and Google – have already begun using AI voice clones to produce more audiobooks at a lower cost and reduced turnaround time. This also offers authors and publishers a wider range of vocal options for their books.
Amazon’s subsidiary, Audible, offers authors the option to use AI voices produced by their service Amazon Polly, which uses neural networks to adapt to a text’s style and emotions. Apple Books offers AI voices from its virtual assistant service Siri, while Google Play Books utilizes AI voices from their Wavenet project.
However, AI voice cloning raises ethical and legal concerns regarding individuals’ voice copying and usage without consent. Some voice actors might also lose their jobs to competition with AI-produced voices, while some listeners would still prefer human versus synthetic voices. Therefore, companies engaged in AI voice cloning should be wary and transparent in their activities and respectful to the rights and interests of all parties.
In conclusion, AI Voice Cloning is a technology that continues to transform the way we create and listen to audio content. It presents opportunities to those in the audiobook industry, and while it does have its challenges, it serves as a reminder to remain ethical and transparent in its development and use.