Truecaller Now Lets You Create an AI Voice Assistant That Sounds Just Like You

The way we answer phone calls is on the verge of a significant transformation. Truecaller, a popular caller ID and spam call blocker app, has announced a groundbreaking feature in collaboration with Microsoft. This feature allows users to create a personalized AI version of their voice to answer calls through Truecaller’s AI Assistant.

Gone are the days of generic pre-recorded voice messages. With this new AI technology, users can record a short clip of their voice, and Microsoft‘s Azure AI Speech service will analyze it to generate a digital replica that sounds eerily similar to the original. This AI Voice Assistant can then be used to answer calls on your behalf, offering a more natural and familiar experience for both you and the caller.

Why Use an AI Voice Assistant?

Truecaller’s AI Assistant, launched in 2022, already empowers users to take control of their incoming calls. It acts as a virtual call screener, informing you about the reason for the call and allowing you to decide how to respond. You can choose to answer the call yourself, have the Assistant answer for you, or even block unwanted calls.

The integration of AI voice technology takes this functionality to a whole new level. Here are some potential benefits of using an AI Voice Assistant:

• Increased Convenience: Imagine being unavailable to answer a call but still wanting to acknowledge the caller. Your AI Voice Assistant can deliver a customized message, letting the caller know you’ll get back to them soon.
• Enhanced Personalization: The AI voice, being a replica of your own, adds a human touch to the interaction. This can be particularly beneficial for business calls or situations where a professional tone is desired.
• Improved Spam Call Management: The AI Voice Assistant can be programmed with specific responses for identified spam calls, deterring unwanted callers and saving you time.

How to Set Up Your Voice for Truecaller Assistant

While Truecaller’s AI Assistant with AI voice functionality is still under development, here’s a glimpse into what the setup process might entail based on the information currently available:

Requirements:

• Ensure you have the latest version of the Truecaller app installed on your smartphone.
• A Truecaller Premium subscription is necessary to access the AI Assistant features, including the AI Voice Assistant.

Steps:

1. Access Assistant Settings: Locate the Assistant settings within the Truecaller app. This might be under the Settings menu or a dedicated Assistant section within the app.
2. Find the Personal Voice Option: Look for a menu option or setting related to “Personal Voice” or “Custom Voice.”
3. Record Your Voice: Truecaller will likely guide you through a recording process where you will be prompted to speak short phrases or sentences. This recording will be used by Microsoft’s Azure AI Speech service to create your AI voice model.
4. Review and Save: Once the recording is complete, you may be allowed to review a sample of your generated AI voice. If satisfied, you can save and activate your AI Voice Assistant.

It’s important to note that these are anticipated steps based on similar features in other apps. The actual setup process within Truecaller might differ slightly when the feature is officially released.

Security and Privacy Considerations with AI Voice Assistants

While the concept of AI Voice Assistants offers exciting possibilities, it’s crucial to address potential security and privacy concerns. Microsoft, Truecaller’s partner in this venture, has taken steps to mitigate these concerns:

• Watermarked Voices: Microsoft assures users that voices generated by Azure AI Speech are automatically watermarked with a unique identifier. This watermark is imperceptible to the human ear but can be detected by technology, making it difficult to misuse a generated voice for malicious purposes. For instance, if someone attempts to use a cloned voice to impersonate you for financial gain, the watermark can help identify the fraud.
  
• Code of Conduct: Microsoft has established a code of conduct for its AI voice technology. This code requires users to obtain full consent before recording someone’s voice and prohibits impersonation. The code of conduct also discourages users from generating AI voices that are misleading or deceptive. For example, creating an AI voice that sounds like a minor or someone in a position of authority would be a violation of the code. Microsoft reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate the code of conduct.

It’s important to note that Truecaller’s AI Assistant with AI voice functionality is currently in its early stages and may not be available in all regions. However, this innovative technology paves the way for a future where phone interactions are more personalized, convenient, and secure.

As with any new technology, user adoption and feedback will be crucial in shaping the future of AI Voice Assistants. Only time will tell how well this technology performs compared to traditional voicemail messages, but the potential for a more natural and efficient communication experience is undeniable.