Krisp Unveils Real-Time AI Accent Transformation Tool for Enhanced Communication

Krisp, a company primarily recognized for its noise-canceling application, is launching a new AI-powered tool designed to convert a speaker’s accent to American English in real time. This tool functions as a virtual microphone, altering the voice quality in video conferencing applications such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Webex.

Krisp claims that the AI Accent Conversion can modify an individual’s accent with a delay of just 200 milliseconds, which they refer to as a «conversationally imperceptible delay,» while maintaining the speaker’s natural voice tone. In a demonstration shared by the company, the tool appears to effectively adjust someone’s speech to sound more American, though the voice does come across as slightly robotic.

Currently, the tool supports over 17 Indian dialects. Krisp has announced plans to introduce additional English accents in the future, including Filipino.

Initially, Krisp implemented this tool in call center agencies prior to a broader rollout.

«As someone with an accent, I often notice that people find it challenging to understand me, even though I speak English fluently,» said Arto Minasyan, co-founder and president of Krisp, in a press release. «It’s not about bias; it’s simply the reality of communication. In fast-paced meetings, even minor misunderstandings can slow down decision-making, lead to repetitions, and decrease overall efficiency.»

The AI Accent Conversion is being released in beta, allowing users without a subscription to utilize it for up to 60 minutes a day. A business plan is also available for $15 a month for unlimited access.

Krisp is not alone in using AI to modify accents. Teleperformance SE, a call center company, has already begun implementing an AI tool that “softens” the accents of Indian workers, as reported by Bloomberg. However, AI has a controversial reputation when it comes to race and ethnicity, and voice generation via AI carries its own risks.

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