Meta Strengthens AI Capabilities with Acquisition of Voice Technology Startup Play AI The acquisition is expected to contribute to Meta's voice-enabled feature development across platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and the Meta Quest ecosystem.

By Entrepreneur Staff

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Freepik

Meta Platforms has acquired Play AI, a startup specialising in conversational artificial intelligence and real-time voice technology. The deal, finalised in early July, marks another step in Meta's continued investment in artificial intelligence research and development.

Founded in 2021, Play AI has been known for its innovations in voice cloning, interactive audio applications, and AI-generated avatars. While the financial terms of the acquisition have not been revealed, sources close to the matter report that the Play AI team will be integrated into Meta's internal AI research division.

The acquisition is expected to contribute to Meta's voice-enabled feature development across platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and the Meta Quest ecosystem. Play AI's technology had previously been used by developers to create virtual agents and audio-based user experiences. It is not yet known whether these products will remain available to third-party developers following the acquisition.

This move aligns with Meta's broader AI strategy, which has included the rollout of new generative AI models and the launch of Meta AI, a chatbot embedded in its messaging services. Play AI's tools may enhance Meta's efforts to build more natural and responsive voice interactions, particularly within augmented and virtual reality environments.

Industry analysts view the acquisition as part of a larger trend among tech giants acquiring smaller AI firms to strengthen capabilities in speech synthesis, conversational tools, and immersive AI technologies.

Play AI's leadership and engineering staff are set to join Meta's AI team. However, Meta has not disclosed specific roles or how the Play AI tools will be integrated into its products. No formal statement has been issued by the company regarding the acquisition, continuing Meta's pattern of quiet strategic expansion in the artificial intelligence space.
Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

For more than 30 years, Entrepreneur has set the course for success for millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. We'll teach you the secrets of the winners and give you exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for success.

Most Popular

See all
Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

By Eve Gumpel
Branding

Creating a Brand: How To Build a Brand From Scratch

Every business needs good branding to succeed. Discover the basics and key tips to building a successful brand in this detailed guide.

By John Williams
Innovation

It's Time to Rethink Research and Development. Here's What Must Change.

R&D can't live in a lab anymore. Today's leaders fuse science, strategy, sustainability and people to turn discovery into real-world value.

By Anantha Desikan
Marketing

How to Better Manage Your Sales Process

Get your priorities in order, and watch sales roll in.

By Tony Parinello
Business News

AI Agents Can Help Businesses Be '10 Times More Productive,' According to a Nvidia VP. Here's What They Are and How Much They Cost.

In a new interview with Entrepreneur, Nvidia's Vice President of AI Software, Kari Briski, explains how AI agents will "transform" the way we work — and sooner than you think.

By Sherin Shibu
Starting a Business

Passion-Driven vs. Purpose-Driven Businesses — What's the Difference, and Why Does It Matter?

Passion and purpose are both powerful forces in entrepreneurship, but they are not the same.

By Athalia Monae