AI-Generated Audiobook of Melania Trump's Memoir Raises Questions About AI Voice Technology

Former First Lady Melania Trump has released an audiobook version of her memoir using AI technology to narrate her story, marking a significant moment in the intersection of artificial intelligence and publishing. The audiobook, which features an AI-generated voice trained on recordings of Mrs. Trump’s actual voice, has sparked discussions about the authenticity and implications of using synthetic media in personal narratives. The technology used can replicate her distinct accent and speech patterns, creating what’s described as a near-perfect reproduction of her voice. This move represents one of the highest-profile uses of AI voice technology in audiobook production to date. The decision to use AI narration instead of recording her own voice has drawn both criticism and interest from technology experts and the publishing industry. Critics argue it creates distance between the author and the audience, while supporters point to the potential cost and time-saving benefits of AI narration. The project also raises broader questions about the future of audiobook production and the role of artificial intelligence in content creation. Industry experts suggest this could set a precedent for other public figures and authors to use AI-generated voices for their audiobooks, though concerns about authenticity and emotional connection remain. The development highlights the growing sophistication of AI voice synthesis technology and its potential to transform how personal stories are shared in the digital age.

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/melania-trump-releases-audiobook-memoir-created-artificial-intelligence/story?id=122068338