Voices of the Future: Amazon’s Audible Launches AI Voice Clone Trial for Audiobook Narrators

To go back to this article, navigate to My Profile, and then click on View saved stories.

Narrators of Audiobooks on Amazon Have the Option to Create Personal AI Voice Duplicates

Purchases made through links in our articles could result in a commission for us. This contributes to our journalistic efforts. Discover more. You might also want to think about subscribing to WIRED

For years, artificial voices have been multiplying, and the surge in generative AI in the recent 2020s has accelerated this trend. AI-generated voices can now be found in various mediums, including podcasts, political advertising, and chatbots, where they often mimic the tones of famous personalities. In the near future, these synthetic voices are expected to dominate the audiobook industry as well.

Audible, an audiobook firm owned by Amazon, revealed a pilot initiative to create artificial intelligence-generated voice duplicates for narrating titles in its audiobook store. This news was shared through a message on ACX—Audiobook Creation Exchange—, a platform by Audible that enables writers and publishers to convert their printed texts into audiobooks.

"The company is cautiously proceeding to experiment with innovative technologies aimed at growing its collection," the announcement states. "This week, a select few narrators are being given the opportunity to join a beta program, exclusive to the US, which allows them to produce and profit from AI-generated copies of their voices."

Audible has stated that narrators and writers will have authority over the projects that employ their AI-generated voices, ensuring that final audio productions undergo evaluation during ACX's production sequence to identify and correct any pronunciation mistakes or other inaccuracies.

However, this move may appear slightly at odds with Audible's existing strategies for narrated audiobooks, especially since, even following this news, the submission guidelines for ACX still state that audiobook narrations "must be performed by a human." Yet, Amazon has shown strong enthusiasm for AI technology, having introduced a comparable AI audio initiative for its Kindle direct publishing service just last year.

Currently, the Audible program is offering a restricted selection, involving only a few narrators. However, the potential for expansion is clear, potentially allowing any author who can create an AI version of their voice to narrate their own books in the future. Similar ventures are being explored by other entities, including the startup Rebind, which is recruiting authors to have their voices replicated, enabling an AI clone to narrate or "lead" listeners through their books. Audiobook enthusiasts are somewhat divided on these developments.

I'm eagerly anticipating the moment when these sweet yet eerie sounds become available to creators of dinosaur-themed erotica.

Here's a roundup of additional consumer technology updates from the past week.

Google Expands Digital Document Storage: Passports Included

Google is broadening its service to allow users to convert additional personal documents into digital format. The latest addition: passports

Last year, Google introduced the capability for Android users to keep their driver's license information digitally within its Wallet service. In the near future, though the exact timing hasn't been disclosed, individuals will also have the option to store their US passport details on their phones.

Naturally, there are a few conditions to note. Only certain TSA checkpoints that permit digital IDs will recognize a Google Wallet version of your passport. (A map is available for reference.) Moreover, Google advises always carrying your physical passport with you. Digital IDs usually aren't accepted beyond airport boundaries, so having your actual documents is crucial in case of emergencies while overseas. However, for a fortunate group of travelers, this innovation eliminates the hassle of removing one more item from their luggage during airport security checks.

Tab Management Update

In other Google-related news, the tech giant has unveiled an exciting update for those of us guilty of accumulating excessive browser tabs. Google Chrome's tab grouping function, which allows users to organize their myriad browser tabs into categorized folders for simplified management, is set to improve. (I promise I'll get to them eventually!) Google has announced plans to enable this feature to synchronize across different devices. This enhancement means your browsing session can effortlessly transition from your desktop to your mobile device, where, let's be honest, the tabs will likely continue to be overlooked.

The feature of organizing tabs into groups is expected to arrive on Chrome for iOS shortly and is anticipated to have the ability to synchronize across desktop platforms as well. As for the exact timing of its release, Google has not provided specific details. Nonetheless, it might be a good idea to begin saving your numerous browser tabs. You never know when they might come in handy again.

Menlo-Upon-Tyne

Meta, the conglomerate behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, known also for its advancements in artificial intelligence, has declared its intention to expand its AI capabilities into a new domain: British culture. The company has revealed plans to enhance its AI models using data gathered from its platform users in the United Kingdom.

In particular, Meta plans to gather information from all individuals in the UK who utilize Facebook or Instagram. This data will then serve to enhance Meta's artificial intelligence. According to Meta's statement, the company aims for this strategy to improve the AI's understanding and representation of UK-specific cultural and linguistic elements.

Meta has announced that users in the UK will be notified about the upcoming change and will have the option to decline the data collection by completing a form or by leaving Facebook and Instagram. This policy is expected to provoke reactions from both regulators and privacy campaigners in the UK, who have previously voiced their worries regarding this initiative.

The announcement precedes Meta Connect, the firm's product exhibition and developer conference set for September 25 and 26. While it's unclear what the firm will unveil at that time, there's a possibility that we might hear an increase in British accents in the metaverse.

The Daily Apple Phenomenon

Apple gatherings are quite the spectacle, essentially a collection of spectacles rolled into one. This week, Apple unveiled a plethora of specifics regarding its latest iPhones, Apple Watch, and AirPods, which now have the added functionality of acting as hearing aids. Additionally, the company entertained its audience with numerous Apple Intelligence capabilities initially introduced in June at its WWDC event, though these features are still pending release. Nonetheless, Apple remains optimistic that its new devices, powered by generative AI technology, will spark significant consumer interest.

This week's episode of Gadget Lab features a segment where WIRED's review editors, Adrienne So and Julian Chokkattu, share their experiences visiting Apple's main office. They delve into the latest devices and software updates that Apple recently unveiled.

Explore Further…

Dive into the World of Politics: Sign up for our newsletter and tune into our podcast

Exploring the outcomes of distributing money at no cost

Weight loss is not guaranteed with Ozempic for all individuals

The Pentagon is planning to allocate $141 billion for the construction of an apocalyptic device.

Gather with us at the Energy Tech Summit happening on October 10 in Berlin.

WIRED DISCOUNTS

Live Assistance with Turbo Tax – Save 10%

Discounts and Promotions from H&R Block

Get a $15 Discount on Your Purchases Using an Instacart Promo Code

Dyson Airwrap Offer: Complimentary $60 Case + $40 Bonus Gift

Enjoy Up To An Additional 45% Discount on Our September Clearance Event

Vista Print Promo Code: Save 20% on Selected Signs

Additional Content from WIRED

Evaluations and Instructions

© 2024 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. Purchases made through our site may generate revenue for WIRED as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retail companies. Content from this site cannot be copied, shared, transmitted, or used in any form without explicit prior consent from Condé Nast. Advertisement Choices

Choose a global website