AI has already started to replace the jobs of voice agents. Now, companies are exploring ways to replace existing computer-generated voice models with synthetic versions of human voices. Truecaller, the widely popular caller ID service, is the latest to adopt this approach with its announcement that it will now allow users to use its AI-powered assistant to answer phone calls. will own the sound
The new experience comes through a partnership with Microsoft that allows the Swedish company to use the Redmond dev's personal voice technology, which was introduced as part of Azure AI Speech in November.
Using Microsoft's Personal Voice, Truecaller's assistant, which is available to paid customers, will be able to mimic users' voices to greet and answer callers. This is in addition to the pre-set system-generated voice options available to users through the Digital Assistance feature to answer phone calls for you, screen unknown calls, take messages, reply on your behalf or on your behalf. Helps to record calls for later viewing.
After giving their consent, Truecaller users have to record a few seconds of script in their voice to make a digital copy. This allows the assistant to start answering calls in a digital version of your voice.
Typically, Truecaller's assistant provides an option to edit the intro greeting template for callers. However, Truecaller confirmed to TechCrunch that it has limited the greeting template if you use your own voice instead of the system-generated one. It is designed to make it clear that callers are hearing a “digital” version of the user's voice.
However, follow-up responses can be customized based on user preferences. Azure AI Speech's personalized voice feature, which is available in limited access for registration only, also adds watermarks to speech outputs so that a detector tool can identify artificial audio.
“We strongly believe that the Personal Voice feature will revolutionize the way our customers manage their calls and elevate their overall experience with Truecaller Assistant. We partner with Microsoft to explore the possibilities of AI-powered voice technologies.” Looking forward to exploring more and providing more innovative solutions to our global customer base,” said Raphael Mimoun, Product Director and General Manager, Truecaller Israel in a statement.
The personalized voice feature on Truecaller's assistant will roll out over the next few weeks, starting with the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, India, Sweden and Chile. It will initially be available to public beta users and later to all users in eligible markets.