ElevenLabs CEO: Voice is the next interface for AI

Mati Staniszewski, co-founder and CEO of ElevenLabs, has declared that voice technology is on the verge of becoming the primary interface for artificial intelligence, fundamentally altering how humans engage with machines. At the Web Summit in Doha, Staniszewski explained to TechCrunch that modern voice models, such as those created by ElevenLabs, have advanced significantly. They now not only replicate human speech but also incorporate emotional nuances and intonation, seamlessly integrating with the reasoning abilities of large language models. This transformation signals a pivotal change in technology interaction. Looking ahead, Staniszewski envisions a future where smartphones are relegated back to our pockets, allowing users to immerse themselves in their surroundings while employing voice as the main command tool for technology. This ambitious vision has played a critical role in ElevenLabs securing $500 million in funding this week, bringing its valuation to $11 billion. The sentiment is shared by many in the AI sector, with major companies like OpenAI and Google prioritizing voice technology in their upcoming models. Meanwhile, Apple is quietly advancing its voice technologies through strategic acquisitions. As AI expands into wearables, vehicles, and various other devices, the paradigm is shifting from touch-based interactions to voice commands, marking voice as a crucial frontier in AI advancement. Seth Pierrepont, a general partner at Iconiq Capital, echoed this perspective at the Web Summit, noting that while screens will remain essential for gaming and entertainment, traditional input devices like keyboards are becoming increasingly obsolete. Pierrepont also highlighted how the nature of user interaction will evolve as AI systems gain more autonomy. Future voice interfaces will be designed to require less explicit user input, relying instead on persistent memory and contextual understanding accumulated over time, making interactions feel more intuitive and effortless. Staniszewski pointed out that this shift will influence the deployment of voice models. High-quality audio processing, which has primarily occurred in the cloud, is moving towards a hybrid model that incorporates both cloud and on-device processing. This change aims to support new technologies, including headphones and wearables, transforming voice from a feature to a constant companion. Currently, ElevenLabs is collaborating with Meta to integrate its voice technology into platforms like Instagram and Horizon Worlds. Staniszewski expressed interest in extending this partnership to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, anticipating a broader adoption of voice interfaces in diverse formats. However, as voice technology becomes more integrated into daily life, it raises significant concerns regarding privacy, surveillance, and the management of personal data, issues that companies like Google have faced scrutiny for in the past.