Mark Zuckerberg's Meta Expands AI Talent With PlayAI Acquisition: Report

Meta Platforms has acquired PlayAI, an AI startup specializing in natural-sounding voice technology, according to Bloomberg. The entire PlayAI team will join Meta this week and report to Johan Schalkwyk, a recent hire from Sesame AI, according to an internal memo. The memo stated that PlayAI's voice technology aligns with Meta's roadmap for AI Characters, Meta AI, wearables, and audio content creation. A Meta spokesperson confirmed the acquisition but declined to provide further details or respond to Benzinga’s request for comment. The acquisition supports CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s 2025 strategy to prioritize AI, including the formation of Meta Superintelligence Labs led by former Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang.