ElevenLabs, an AI voice startup founded by former Google and Palantir engineers, recently launched a Reader app that converts any text file or web link into AI audio. The app features various AI voices and accents, allowing users to customize their experience. In an exciting announcement, ElevenLabs revealed a partnership with CMG Worldwide to include iconic AI voices of late Hollywood celebrities such as Judy Garland, James Dean, Burt Reynolds, and Sir Laurence Olivier.
The Reader app caters to the creative industry, providing AI models for text-to-speech conversion. Users can simply provide a link or file for any digital text, from articles to e-books, and the app will instantly process the text and begin the voiceover narration. A green highlighter follows along and highlights each word spoken by the AI, enhancing the user experience.
The addition of iconic voices further enhances the app’s appeal. Users can now listen to their favorite books and articles voiced by renowned actors like Judy Garland and James Dean. This feature not only provides a unique way to experience content but also allows family members of the late stars to ensure their legacies live on.
However, concerns regarding voice cloning technology arise. The potential for misuse, such as portraying celebrities or business executives saying things they never actually said, is a significant concern. To address this, ElevenLabs emphasizes its commitment to safety. The company retains full control over celebrity voices and limits their availability only to the Reader app. Users cannot access these voices through other platforms or share or download the content.
ElevenLabs has implemented automated and human moderation processes to identify and block hate speech and other violations of its terms of service. Additionally, voice captcha verification matches audio samples uploaded for cloning with the user’s voice recording to prevent unauthorized cloning attempts. The platform also has a “no go” voices policy in place to prohibit the cloning of high-risk voices.
While these safeguards reduce the chances of voice cloning, there is still a possibility of violations if malicious users craft content that bypasses moderation measures. ElevenLabs acknowledges this and will continue to improve its safety measures.
Looking ahead, the iconic voices capability offered by the Reader app has the potential to impact the industry. The app will be rolling out globally and to Android devices this summer, with support for more languages on the horizon. This expansion opens up new possibilities for fans and enthusiasts to engage with their favorite content in a unique way.
In conclusion, ElevenLabs’ Reader app, with its AI voiceover capabilities and the addition of iconic voices, provides users with a personalized and immersive reading experience. The company’s focus on safety and commitment to preventing unauthorized voice cloning ensures the protection of celebrities’ voices and reputations. As the app continues to evolve and expand, it will be fascinating to see how it influences the industry and offers new opportunities for content consumption.