2024-04-26 06:35:00
AI in human form continues to improve. British startup Synthesia is taking part in this development, unveiling its digital beings called “expressive avatars” with disturbingly realistic facial expressions.
AI capable of transmitting emotions
To do this, the company uses a model trained from images of real actors. Users simply enter a message stating that these “expressive avatars” read it. In addition to a very disturbing photorealistic rendering, these digital beings stand out for the quality of their facial expressions to convey human emotions.
This feat is possible via a “automatic sentiment prediction” of the Synthesia AI model. This allows him to deduce the feelings in the texts being read. The tone of voice, body language and facial expressions of digital beings are adapted accordingly.
This is undoubtedly the first iteration of AI capable of expressing emotions and understanding the sentiment of content
Victor Riparbe, director and co-founder of Synthesia
Synthesia specifies that their avatars will produce new and unique results in the future. The same text can offer two different performances. The startup has published some examples in video form on its YouTube channel. On the LinkedIn page, it is specified that more than 120 languages are supported.
Limitations and misinformation
However, limitations should be noted, including the fact that facial expressions are highly exaggerated. Virtual avatars look more like telenovela actors than Hollywood talent. In addition, the movements are limited to the head, face and shoulders. Despite these limitations, the demo videos remain impressive.
Synthesia raised $90 million last year, at a $1 billion valuation. 55,000 companies, half of which appear in the Fortune 100, are customers. AI is used for training, presentation, marketing and customer service purposes. Unfortunately, this product has already been used to spread false information in China, Venezuela and Mali.
Confronted with these abuses, Synthesia banned the offending accounts, implemented new rules and added digital defenses. More than 60 types of content are banned or restricted through moderation by human monitoring and filters. New customers are screened and regular audits take place. The startup specifies that 10% of its workforce is dedicated to trust and security.
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