Meta in Talks to Acquire PlayAI for Advanced Voice Technology
Meta is in discussions to acquire the startup PlayAI, which develops voice technology using artificial intelligence. This information comes from Bloomberg, citing informed sources.
Through this acquisition, Meta aims to obtain PlayAI's technology and a portion of its team. Although the deal is not finalized, it is expected to strengthen the company's position in voice capabilities for AI assistants and smart glasses.
Voice technology is a key priority for Mark Zuckerberg this year. Recently, Meta invested $14.3 billion in Scale AI and recruited the company's CEO to form a new team focused on superintelligence development. Additionally, Meta has attracted several researchers from OpenAI, Sesame AI, and Google.
PlayAI describes its solutions as providing natural interaction — "as lively as a conversation between two people." In 2024, the startup secured $21 million in funding from Kindred Ventures, Y Combinator, and 500 Global.
Furthermore, Meta has also been in talks with Perplexity AI and considered acquiring Runway AI, though those deals did not materialize.
