Meta in discussions to acquire voice cloning platform PlayAI

Meta is reportedly in advanced acquisition talks with voice-cloning artificial intelligence (AI) start-up PlayAI as it aims to accelerate its AI push.

Meta is expected to acquire the startup’s technology and some of its employees, according to Bloomberg.

PlayAI claims to offer “unbelievably accurate, high-quality AI voice cloning in just 30 seconds.” It says it can accurately clone a voice, retaining accents and nuances.

The deal is not yet finalized and the terms, which currently remain undisclosed, could change. While the companies didn’t comment on the potential move, the acquisition seems to be in line with Meta’s recent AI efforts.

The company has invested $14.3 billion in Scale AI, acquiring a 49% stake in the data labeling startup and poaching its founder Alexandr Wang to lead a new superintelligence research lab. Meta also brought AI researchers from Google, Sesame AI Inc., and OpenAI on board as it tries to keep up with the AI race.

The deal could offer Meta additional expertise to add more voice features to its AI assistant and hands-free devices like smartglasses. This comes as its industry rivals, including OpenAI and Google, added voice capabilities to their AI systems.

Earlier, Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced that Meta would spend up to $65 billion on AI-related projects in 2025.