China's state-run press agency has welcomed its first female AI anchor who will join its growing team of virtual presenters.
Chinese state news agency unveils its first female AI anchor
STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 21, ARTSAKHPRESS: The female AI newsreader will make her professional debut during the upcoming meetings of the country's national legislature and top political advisory body in March, according to Xinhua at a press conference on Tuesday.
Modelled after the agency's flesh-and-blood journalist Qu Meng, the AI newsreader was jointly developed by Xinhua and search engine company Sogou.com and can 'read texts as naturally as a professional anchor”, the Daily Mail reports.
An AI system has been used to synthesise the presenters' voices, lip movements and expressions based on those of real presenters.
The digital anchors offer certain advantages over humans, Xinhua previously said. They are available to work 24 hours a day on its official website and various social media platforms.
This can reduce news production costs and improve efficiency during breaking news reports.
Xinhua said that its 'new employees' have taken to their roles with enthusiasm and have published more than 3,400 reports totaling over 10,000 minutes in length since November.
