A French artificial intelligence research lab backed by billionaire Xavier Niel has unveiled a new voice assistant named Moshi, designed to mimic human emotions and styles in conversations. Launched by Kyutai, a nonprofit organization established last year, the AI service was showcased at an event in Paris on Wednesday, demonstrating its ability to speak with 70 different emotions and tones.
Kyutai’s Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pérez highlighted that Moshi possesses the capability to think while speaking, potentially revolutionizing human-machine communication. The AI assistant’s presentation included offering guidance on climbing Mt. Everest and reciting a poem with a distinctive French accent, showcasing its versatile capabilities. This innovative technology is comparable to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a widely recognized chatbot in the industry.
The introduction of Moshi comes at a time when several companies are racing to develop advanced AI models, with concerns raised regarding the potential risks associated with these emerging technologies. For instance, OpenAI recently faced delays in launching its enhanced voice assistant due to safety considerations and controversies related to using voice models resembling celebrities like Scarlett Johansson.
Kyutai’s commitment to open-source technology sets it apart, with plans to release the models and research supporting the assistant to the public in the upcoming weeks. The nonprofit’s collaboration with prominent figures like Niel, Rodolphe Saadé, and Eric Schmidt reflects a significant investment in AI development in Europe. With a focus on safety measures, Kyutai emphasized its use of tools for audio tracking and identification to address potential concerns.
The unveiling of Moshi underscores Europe’s increasing prominence in AI innovation, according to Niel, who praised Kyutai’s cutting-edge solutions as world-class. The lab’s strategic approach to talent acquisition, including hiring researchers from reputable organizations like Google DeepMind and Meta Platforms Inc., further positions Kyutai as a leading player in the AI landscape. This experimental prototype marks a significant milestone in voice AI technology and raises optimism about Europe’s role on the global AI stage.
