This startup news channel uses AI presenters and some genuinely impressive tech, but it sure is giving me the heebie-jeebies
As the prevalence of AI continues to dominate the headlines, it looks like no industry is immune from adopting some version of the technology into its vision for the future. In this case however, AI isn't just in the news, it's the one reading it to you. Courtesy of Ars Technica, new startup Channel 1 has shown off a proof-of-concept video demonstrating AI avatars as news presenters, and the results are both genuinely impressive and a headfirst plunge into the depths of uncanny valley.
These AI avatars are based on real people (who, we're informed, «have been compensated for use of their likeness») and relies on what are described as «sophisticated systems behind the scenes» to create their vocal delivery, mannerisms and expressions, and at first glance the results are remarkably convincing.
The lip-synching is some of the best I've seen, with difficult sequences of syllables handled with remarkable accuracy, and they look like, for want of a better term, believable people. The gesturing is right on point for someone who's taken a few courses on how to present to camera for dummies, and aside from the odd blurry moment that gives away that what you're looking at might be an AI generated facsimile, it's a pretty convincing display of tech.
But as with all simulations of a genuine human being to date, it's the things you can't quite put your finger on that let it down.
It's something in the sincerity and the pace of delivery that just seems off, to the point where the longer I watched the more I felt like someone might be sneaking up behind me. The AI humans are here already it seems, and in this case they're staring, almost unblinkingly, right into your soul.
It doesn't help that these avatars appear like they've been
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