Audible, the audiobook giant owned by Amazon, has recently announced a groundbreaking technological innovation that is set to revolutionize our perception of audiobooks. The company plans to create new audiobooks using artificial intelligence trained on professional narrators' voices, which not only preserves the human touch of traditional audiobooks but also injects them with the limitless potential of AI.
Starting this week, Audible will invite a select group of American audiobook narrators to participate in AI voice training. This process aims to enable the AI to record high-quality audio content that rivals that of professionals. Notably, the narrators involved will have the opportunity to personally review the AI-synthesized voices to ensure they suit the style and atmosphere of specific works. They can also fine-tune the AI's pronunciation and rhythm for near-perfect results.
Image source: The image was generated by AI, provided by the image licensing service Midjourney.
Audible has expressed full recognition and provided substantial rewards for narrators participating in this innovative plan. The company promises to compensate narrators based on the title and royalty split for audiobooks created using their AI-synthesized voices. This model not only safeguards the narrators' rights but also opens up a new revenue stream for them.
The application of this technology is set to have a profound impact on the audiobook industry. It not only enhances the efficiency of audiobook production but could also significantly reduce costs, making it possible for more literary works to be converted into audiobook format. Additionally, the introduction of AI technology opens up new possibilities for creativity. We can expect that in the near future, audiobooks will become collaborative artworks created by narrators and AI, offering listeners a richer and more diverse auditory experience.
However, the rollout of this technology inevitably raises some discussions about technological ethics. Some may worry that AI could eventually replace human narrators or whether AI-generated voices can truly convey the emotional depth of literary works. In response, Audible appears to be taking a cautious and balanced approach, leveraging the advantages of AI technology while retaining the crucial role of human narrators in the creative process.