Amazon is using AI technology to revolutionize the audiobook production process! The editor of Downcodes learned that Amazon has launched a test project, inviting some Audible audiobook narrators to participate, and using AI technology to quickly produce audiobooks. The program will first be tested in the United States and will be expanded to rights holders such as authors, agents and publishers in the future. This innovative technology is expected to inject new vitality into more books, while triggering industry discussions on the application of AI technology and the future work of narrators.
Recently, Amazon announced that it would begin inviting a small group of Audible audiobook narrators to participate in a new test project, with the goal of using AI technology to quickly produce audiobooks.
This feature will be in beta testing in the United States and will later be expanded to include rights holders such as authors, agents, and publishers. I believe this new technology will bring life to more books.
In this test, commentators need to submit their own voice recordings to train an AI "voice clone."
This means that the narrator can not only participate in the recording of the audiobook, but also decide which projects he wants to participate in, whether it is a live performance or an AI-generated recording. The process is relatively simple, and narrators can use production tools provided by Amazon to adjust the pronunciation and tempo of their AI voices. At the same time, the commentator can also review the final work to ensure there are no errors.
Regarding remuneration, Amazon said that participants will be compensated through a "royalty sharing" model, and the specific income remains to be further explained. However, it's worth mentioning that the narrator's voice clone will not be used by Amazon in any content without their approval.
Additionally, this feature is currently free, although fees may apply in the future. It is worth noting that any audiobook recorded using AI voice cloning will have a corresponding mark on the product details page to help users identify it.
In addition, a similar feature launched by Amazon last year that allows Kindle Direct Publishing authors to convert their books into audiobooks already uses fully synthesized voices. Reports indicate that 40,000 audiobooks have adopted this technology. It has also sparked concerns among some casters that AI technology could reduce job opportunities for human performers.
Amazon's move is aimed at providing more creative opportunities for narrators and also hopes to promote further development of the audiobook market.
Highlight:
Amazon launches AI clone narrator feature to speed up audiobook production.
? Narrators will submit recordings to train AI clones and can control participating projects.
? Participants will be compensated through "royalty sharing" and the use of AI clones requires the consent of the caster.
Amazon’s AI audiobook project not only demonstrates technological progress, but also triggers thinking about future work models. The ultimate impact of this technology remains to be seen, but it will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the audiobook industry. The editor of Downcodes will continue to pay attention to the progress of the project and bring follow-up reports.