I love stories about use cases because finding examples of technology in use inspires customers and makes technology concrete. I’ve got two good ones… and a weird one.
Virginia Rep. Jennifer Wexton, who lost her ability to speak due to progressive supranuclear palsy, used an AI-generated clone of her voice to deliver a speech on the House floor, marking a significant moment in her advocacy for people with disabilities. The technology, developed by ElevenLabs, allowed her to reclaim her voice for public speaking, which she described as a powerful and emotional experience. Wexton emphasized the importance of responsible use of AI technology while expressing her desire to continue being a voice for those facing accessibility challenges.
According to the New York Times, AI is revolutionizing weather forecasting by predicting hurricanes and global weather patterns with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The GraphCast model developed by DeepMind can produce forecasts in seconds that traditionally took hours, outperforming established models. This technology, which can run on standard computers, allows for more accessible and timely weather predictions, potentially saving lives. While AI enhances forecasting capabilities, experts emphasize the continued importance of human oversight and traditional methods in achieving reliable results.
And the weird one, from the Verge. Avi Schiffmann is developing an AI companion called “Friend,” designed to provide companionship rather than productivity. Unlike traditional AI tools, Friend is meant to be a supportive presence that users can interact with casually, similar to a Tamagotchi. The device, which will be available for $99, features a microphone and communicates through a companion app. Schiffmann emphasizes that the focus is on building meaningful relationships with AI, aiming for Friend to evolve into a social network for real and digital friendships.
Why do we care?
If you wonder why voice cloning would be useful, there is a relevant use case for you. It also highlights how difficult it is to regular – banning impersonation is not as simple as one might hope.
So, AI companionship. There’s history here – this isn’t the first attempt, and there is evidence that people bond with their technology and do form relationships with digital systems. I’m not proposing there is a business use case here, yet I want to highlight the unique uses the technology is bringing out.