Priya PatelTLDR
– Eleven Labs raises $80 million in Series B funding for voice cloning and synthesis using AI
– Artisse, an AI photography app, secures $6.7 million in seed funding for its photo editing capabilities
Eleven Labs has raised $80 million in a Series B funding round, bringing its total funding to $101 million. The company, which specializes in voice cloning and synthesis using machine learning, plans to introduce new features such as a tool for dubbing movies and a marketplace for users to sell their AI-cloned voices. The funding round was co-led by Andreessen Horowitz, Nat Friedman, and Daniel Gross, with participation from Sequoia Capital and SV Angel. The investment has increased Eleven Labs’ valuation to $1.1 billion.
Artisse, an AI photography app, has secured $6.7 million in seed funding. The app allows users to transform unflattering selfies into supermodel-worthy photos using AI algorithms. The company has gained traction among influencers, models, and marketers, and is projected to make $2.5 million in subscription revenue this year. Artisse is also exploring virtual fitting room technology for online shopping and a group photo feature that allows users to pose with friends or celebrities. The funding round was led by The London Fund.
Other notable news in the AI space include:
– The Rabbit R1, a handheld AI device developed in collaboration with Teenage Engineering, has received $10 million in pre-orders. The device, about half the size of a smartphone, features a camera, scroll wheel, touchscreen, and push-to-talk button. It is powered by a 2.3GHz MediaTek processor and has 4GB of memory and 128GB of storage. Rabbit R1 uses a web portal called “Rabbit Hole” to program apps and subscriptions, similar to Humane’s AI Pin.
– Microsoft Teams now supports 3D and VR meetings, allowing users in VR or AR devices to conference with users on a video call and appear as avatars in the metaverse.
– Apple has released a video showcasing the Apple Vision Pro, a rumored $5,000 face computer. The video has sparked curiosity and speculation about the device’s capabilities and features.
– Disney has introduced the Holotile Floor for VR locomotion, enabling users to walk or run in place with minimal friction. This technology aims to solve the problem of immersive VR experiences requiring teleportation or cumbersome physical setups.
– OpenAI has partnered with Arizona State University to create a personalized AI tutor for students and utilize ChatGPT in its Freshman Composition course. ASU plans to develop AI avatars for educational purposes as well.
– Nice Aunties has released an AI animated art piece called “GARLIC,” which serves as a stress relief sanctuary for users. The artwork features a sanctuary made from fresh alliums sourced from local markets.
– Germany’s Storybook Studio is working on an AI depiction of a first-century tale of love, warfare, and revenge as Germany’s wild tribes fight off Roman occupation.
