Meta Acquires PlayAI After ScaleAI Deal, Bolstering Voice AI Efforts

Meta has acquired PlayAI, a small startup focused on voice-based artificial intelligence. The deal was confirmed by the company, though financial details were not disclosed. PlayAI’s entire team will join Meta in the coming week, as per a Bloomberg report.

The PlayAI team will report to Johan Schalkwyk, who joined Meta recently from another voice AI firm, Sesame AI. This reporting structure was outlined in an internal memo reviewed by Bloomberg.

Voice Tools and Use Cases

PlayAI has developed tools to generate natural-sounding voices and a platform for easy voice creation. According to the memo, this technology will be used across Meta’s projects related to AI Characters, Meta AI, wearables, and audio content.

Earlier this year, Meta launched a new division called Meta Superintelligence Labs. It is headed by Alexandr Wang, who previously led Scale AI. That company was acquired by Meta in a separate $14.3 billion deal.

Read more: Meta Bets Big on Scale AI with $14.3 Billion Investment!

Infrastructure and Hiring

Meta has increased its investment in AI infrastructure, including chips and data centres. Alongside this, the company has been hiring AI talent to support internal development of models and features.

As per news reports, Meta has brought in talent from companies like OpenAI and Google. Some hires have reportedly received signing bonuses of up to $100 million. These hiring efforts have been ongoing for several months.

Meta also hired Ruoming Pang, who previously led AI work at Apple. His compensation package is reported to exceed $200 million. The hiring aligns with the company’s plans to strengthen its AI capabilities.

Conclusion

The acquisition of PlayAI adds to Meta’s recent focus on building in-house AI tools and teams. The integration of voice AI is expected to support product development across multiple units.

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