The Cupertino based tech giant Apple has announced its plans regarding a new artificial intelligence feature that shall speak in the users’ voice.
Apple’s Personal Voice
Apple has announced this feature in the light of new wave of AI. This new feature, called as “Personal Voice” for iPhones, which will provide users with randomized text prompts to generate 15 minutes of audio. Additionally, another feature Live Speech will enable users to save frequently used phrases for the device to speak during phone calls and in-person conversations.
In order to ensure the data security and privacy, Apple will utilize on-device machine learning (a form of artificial intelligence (AI)), to create the voice instead of relying on external sources. This approach aims to offer greater privacy protection.
Apple emphasizes that these tools will be beneficial for individuals with speech impairments. For instance, individuals like a man diagnosed with ALS, who is gradually losing his ability to speak, can express their feelings in a voice that resembles their own, making a significant difference in their lives.
Potential Security & Privacy Risks
However, critics raise concerns regarding potential security and privacy risks in the future. There are apprehensions about the storage of voice models, particularly if they are not fully stored on the user’s device but backed up on Apple’s servers. Questions are also raised about the possibility of one’s voice being stolen by their own phone for unauthorized use.
Jumping on to the AI bandwagon, Apple is also embracing the AI technology as the CEO Tim Cook highlights the company’s belief in creating technology that benefits everyone, and tech executive Marva Bailer emphasizes that there is a substantial global demand for this type of technology, with over 2.5 billion people potentially needing it.
Apple plans to release the Personal Voice feature before the end of the year.
