California startup Channel 1 plans to launch the first AI-driven TV news network. The network will feature stories read by lifelike, animated digital avatars instead of human newscasters. The avatars are created using human actors whose bodies and voices are scanned to create near-perfect replicas. AI technology allows the avatars to speak in sync with the words, regardless of the language used. Channel 1’s main goal is to provide personalized news broadcasts tailored to each viewer’s interests and preferences. The network will use a smartphone app and hopes to be available on streaming services like Pluto and Crackle.
Key Points:
- California startup Channel 1 plans to launch the first AI-driven TV news network
- News stories will be read by lifelike, animated digital avatars created from human actors
- AI technology ensures that the avatars speak in sync with the words and can mimic realistic gestures and movements
- The network aims to provide personalized news broadcasts tailored to each viewer’s interests and preferences
- Channel 1 plans to launch through a smartphone app and hopes to be available on streaming services like Pluto and Crackle
Article Summary:
A California startup called Channel 1 is set to launch the first AI-driven TV news network, featuring stories read by lifelike, animated digital avatars. The avatars are created by scanning the bodies and voices of human actors, allowing them to speak in sync with the words and mimic realistic gestures and movements. Channel 1’s main goal is to provide personalized news broadcasts tailored to each viewer’s interests and preferences. The network plans to use a smartphone app and hopes to be available on streaming services like Pluto and Crackle. While some labor leaders and broadcast veterans are concerned about the potential loss of on-air jobs, Channel 1 insists that its avatars are mainly used for customizing news broadcasts and that human editors will vet the scripts. The network also plans to license video content from traditional news organizations. However, there are doubts about Channel 1’s long-term prospects, with some experts suggesting that the audience for traditional TV news is dwindling as more people rely on digital devices for their news consumption. Despite these challenges, Channel 1 believes that its focus on providing instant access to video news from almost anywhere, in almost any language, will help it thrive in the industry.