Bland TTS – The First Voice AI to Cross the Uncanny Valley

Based in San Francisco, the AI startup Bland has revealed its innovative text-to-speech tool, Bland TTS. This tool is touted as the first to cross the uncanny valley in voice AI technology. According to the company, its model can produce remarkably lifelike voices, replicating tone, cadence, emotion, and pronunciation from a single short MP3 clip.

One-Shot Style Transfer Innovation

Several months prior, the team at Bland achieved a breakthrough in one-shot style transfer of human speech. This advancement enables users to clone any voice or remix the style of another clone from just a brief MP3 file.

Use Cases for Bland TTS

Primarily aimed at creators, developers, and businesses, Bland TTS provides extensive control over vocal style and emotion. Its applications range from AI-generated soundtracks to automated customer support lines and immersive experiences in video games and films. Developers can access the API to create bespoke voice experiences, while enterprises can utilise the technology to set up AI-powered helplines that sound incredibly natural—so much so that customers may save them as contacts.

Reactions to the Viral Demo

A demo showcasing Bland TTS has sparked a variety of reactions online, from admiration to discomfort. One X user, Dom Lucre, remarked on the video’s impact, stating, “This new AI company called ‘Bland’ is going viral after releasing this video showing their futuristic and ‘intimidating’ AI… able to capture your soul with a brief MP3 file.”

Concerns Over Misuse

While the technology has received praise from segments of the creative and developer communities, it has also raised significant concerns regarding potential misuse. Voice cloning has been previously flagged as a tool for scams and deepfake fraud, and the simplicity with which Bland’s technology can imitate speech has led to criticism. User @zazzygfx highlighted this issue, asking, “How do we ensure this tech doesn’t fall into the wrong hands?” Another user, @CancelEverythin, bluntly remarked, “What a BS way of saying you’re doing nothing to prevent this being used to rob people’s banks via their voice IDs.”

Bland’s Response to Safety Concerns

In light of these concerns, Bland has recognised the potential risks. The company stated, “We have pretty hardcore safety checks, but it’s something that we all need to start talking about.”

Official Announcement via Social Media

Today, Bland expressed excitement in introducing Bland TTS, the first voice AI to successfully cross the uncanny valley. “Several months ago, our team solved one-shot style transfer of human speech. That means, from a single, brief MP3, you can clone any voice or remix another clone’s style (tone, cadence,…”