Meta Negotiates Acquisition of PlayAI to Enhance Voice Technologies

Meta is currently in talks to potentially acquire the startup PlayAI, which focuses on creating voice reproduction tools through artificial intelligence. This information comes from Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter.

If the deal goes through, Meta will gain access to PlayAI's technologies and part of its team. While the agreement is not finalized, it could significantly strengthen Meta’s position in the voice functionality sector for their AI assistants and devices like smart glasses.

Voice technology remains a top priority for Mark Zuckerberg this year. Recently, Meta invested $14.3 billion in Scale AI and recruited the company’s CEO to establish a new team focused on developing superintelligence. Additionally, Meta has poached several researchers from OpenAI, Sesame AI, and Google.

PlayAI describes its solutions as enabling 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.

Moreover, Meta has also been in negotiations with Perplexity AI and considered acquiring Runway AI, though those deals did not materialize.