Spotify tests voice translation feature for podcasts


FILE PHOTO: The Spotify logo is displayed on a screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., May 3, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

(Reuters) - Spotify Technology is testing an AI-powered feature that will translate podcasts from the likes of Dax Shepard and Lex Fridman to other languages, the audio-streaming company said on Monday.

The feature marks the latest attempt by the Swedish company to capitalize on generative artificial intelligence, the technology that has taken the world by storm after the rise of ChatGPT, to tap new users and boost revenue.

The translated versions, powered by Microsoft-backed OpenAI's newly released voice generation technology, would mimic the original speaker's style and will be more natural than traditional dubbing, Spotify said.

The company had also worked with other podcasters including Monica Padman, Bill Simmons and Steven Bartlett for the feature.

The voice translations would be available in languages including Spanish, French and German for a select number of catalog episodes and future episode releases, said Spotify, which could expand the audience of the shows.

Spotify has spent aggressively in the past few years on its podcast business, hoping the higher engagement levels offered by the format will bring in more advertisers.

But that drove up the company's operating expenditure, which surged at twice the speed of its revenue growth last year. Besides, businesses have also been dialing back spending on ads due to rising interest rates and high inflation.

(Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)

Subscribe now to our Premium Plan for an ad-free and unlimited reading experience!

   

Next In Tech News

India's Tata Technologies soars 140% in pre-open debut trade
Google strikes deal with Canada to pay for online news
eMadani: Are you eligible for the RM100 ewallet redemption?
Survey reveals generational divide when it comes to AI and career outlook
Coming soon: Pay or clock in at work with the palm of your hand
Microsoft to take non-voting, observer position on OpenAI's board
Pass the chips: This software cancels crunch when gaming or chatting online
Tech companies to sign agreement with UK government to tackle online fraud
Snowflake sees product revenue above estimates on AI-driven demand
Salesforce raises annual profit view on steady cloud demand

Others Also Read