Character AI Introduces Voice Call Feature for AI Avatars

Character.AI, backed by venture capital firm a16z, has announced a new feature that allows users to engage in voice calls with AI avatars. This innovative feature supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese, broadening its appeal to a global audience.

Testing and User Engagement

Before today’s public launch, Character.AI tested the voice calling feature extensively. During this period, more than 3 million users made over 20 million calls, demonstrating significant interest and engagement. The company highlights that these AI calls can be beneficial for a variety of purposes, such as practicing language skills, conducting mock interviews, or enhancing the experience of role-playing games.

Seamless Interaction

Users can initiate a call with any user-generated AI character with a simple tap of a button. Character.AI has designed this feature to ensure a smooth calling experience with minimal latency. Additionally, users can effortlessly switch between calling and texting modes and can interrupt the AI mid-conversation using the “Tap to interrupt” option.

Expanding Features

In March, Character.AI introduced Character Voices, allowing users to hear their AI characters speak during one-on-one chats.

This feature has been popular, leading to the creation of over 1 million unique voices within the app’s library.

Addressing User Feedback

The launch of the voice calling feature coincides with discussions on Reddit about perceived changes in the personalities of AI characters. Character.AI responded to these concerns, stating that no significant changes were made, but some users might have experienced differences due to being part of a test group.

Competitive Landscape

The introduction of voice calls by Character.AI comes amid reports of Google developing its own customized chatbot platform to compete with services like Meta and Character.AI. As the competition in the AI space intensifies, Character.AI continues to innovate and expand its feature set to meet the evolving needs of its users.

Character.AI’s new calling feature represents a significant step forward in AI interaction, offering users a more dynamic and engaging way to communicate with AI avatars.