Meta is in talks to buy PlayAI, a startup that develops voice reproduction tools using artificial intelligence, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Meta will acquire PlayAI's technology and part of its team. The deal, which has not yet been finalized, is expected to strengthen the company's position in voice capabilities for its AI assistant and devices like smart glasses.
Voice capabilities are one of Mark Zuckerberg’s priorities this year. Meta recently invested $14.3 billion in Scale AI and brought the company’s CEO to create a new superintelligence team. Meta has also brought in a number of researchers from OpenAI, Sesame AI, and Google.
PlayAI describes its solutions as enabling natural interactions — “as lifelike as a conversation between two people.” In 2024, the startup raised $21 million in investment from Kindred Ventures, Y Combinator, and 500 Global.
Meta was also in talks with Perplexity AI and considered acquiring Runway AI, but these deals did not materialize.