In this video, Joanna Stern explores the use of AI-generated avatars and voices to replace her temporarily. She created an AI avatar with Synthesia and used an AI voice from 11 Labs. Joanna tested these AI tools through four challenges: making phone calls (successful), creating a TikTok video (unsuccessful), testing voice biometrics with a bank (successful), and participating in video calls (unsuccessful). While AI voices show promise, AI avatars still have limitations. The potential for misuse of these technologies raises concerns, and people need to be vigilant in distinguishing AI from real voices and faces.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The author created an AI avatar that looks and moves like them.
2. The AI avatar was made by a startup called Synthesia.
3. They used AI neural networks to create a custom voice for the avatar.
4. The AI avatar can mimic the author's voice and speech.
5. Synthesia charges at least $1,000 to create a custom avatar.
6. Another company called 11 Labs can create a voice clone for $5 a month.
7. The author conducted four challenges to see if AI could replace them for the day.
8. Challenge 1 involved a phone call with Evan Spiegel, the CEO of Snap.
9. Challenge 2 was about creating a TikTok video using AI.
10. Challenge 3 tested the avatar's ability to pass a bank's voice verification system.
11. Challenge 4 was about using the AI avatar in video calls.
12. The text concludes that video clones are not yet convincing, but AI voices are quite good.
13. There are concerns about the potential misuse of AI voices.
14. Synthesia and 11 Labs have measures in place to prevent misuse.
15. The text emphasizes the need to differentiate between real and AI voices.