Sonantic: the AI that can flirt with you (or almost…)
sonantica startup specializing in the processing of voices generated by AI or voice assistant, has just unveiled the rather spectacular possibilities of its “emotion filter” tool. Intended mainly for professionals (and in particular for video game studios), the software allows you to modulate the type of voice you want to obtain. It is thus possible to choose a neutral, friendly, “casual”, welcoming, even… seductive tone! The presentation video is instantly reminiscent of the film Her by Spike Jonze, in which a man filled with loneliness (Joaquin Phoenix) falls in love with an AI who whispers sweet nothings to him. Unfortunately, the rendering of the voice would be a little too optimized in what is ultimately more of an advertisement for the software than a real presentation demo.
The Verge site was still able to obtain real raw sound samples, and the results are still spectacular. Zeena Qureshi, CEO of Sonantic, describes her software as a “Photoshop for voice” and brushes aside criticism of possible ethical abuses – in particular the fact of using a female voice for flirting, which could accentuate sexist stereotypes – by recalling that the software is intended only for professionals and not for become the new virtual girlfriend 2.0. Moreover, it is quite possible to configure a male voice, not to mention the fact that flirting is not a crime in itself (at least not yet…).
