In an effort to revive user engagement, Clubhouse, the once-popular live audio app, has announced a new feature allowing users to send text messages in their own customized voices. In addition to the previously introduced group voice chats, where members could send each other asynchronous voice messages similar to Instagram Stories, users can now also use texts.
Recognizing situations where voice messages may not be practical, Clubhouse allows users to ‘train’ their custom voices, to send texts which their friends can then listen to in this recreated voice. To ensure clarity, the app will display an indicator when the AI voice is voicing out a message.
Clubhouse has elaborated on its new feature in a recent blog post, stating that it maintains the sensation of being engaged in a live, real-time chat with a friend.
Envision texting a friend, the company suggested, and having your words heard as if you were speaking them out loud. They explained, “Your custom voice melds conversation and typing, or reading and listening, seamlessly, preserving the sensation of being involved in a live discussion.”
Despite the brevity of the training process, which involves reading just a few phrases, Clubhouse asserts that its AI possesses the capability of recreating a user’s voice to closely resemble the original. However, the company did note one limitation: the AI struggles to accurately reproduce human laughter. So, as the company jokingly advised, it might be best to refrain from sending ‘hahaha’ in type.
Clubhouse also offers an option for users who feel uncomfortable recording their voice. While specific details were not provided by the company, it’s likely a text-to-speech model is used to generate an artificial voice.
As of now, this unique feature is only accessible to users in the United States.
Over the past few years, Clubhouse’s popularity has declined, leading to several layoffs within the company. Despite this, the startup managed to raise funds at a reported $4 billion valuation. The company revealed last year that it still has a few years of operational funds left. As part of its effort to retain users and spark interest, Clubhouse is now experimenting with AI-powered features aimed at enhancing and simplifying conversations between friends.
Interestingly, Apple introduced a similar feature known as Personal Voice last year. This system creates a voice that resembles the user’s, proving particularly beneficial for individuals at risk of losing their ability to speak due to conditions like ALS. This move indicates the growing relevance of AI and voice recognition technology in today’s digital communication space.
