I created an interactive digital avatar of myself you can to talk to (techcrunch.com)

Synthesia, a leading digital avatar startup, has unveiled an innovative AI-driven interactive avatar of Alexandru Voica, its corporate affairs head. This avatar can engage in conversations about the company and its workings, representing a significant leap in AI applications within public relations. Synthesia aims to transform corporate training and communication by enabling enterprises to create interactive training videos and role-play scenarios with AI avatars that can respond and assess user interactions. Their recent expansion to New York and a valuation of $4 billion highlight the growing interest in this technology. The technical framework behind these avatars integrates advanced voice-to-text, agentic language models, and Synthesia’s proprietary video models. Users can personalize experiences, and the platform's versatility allows for hosting on various cloud services. The emergence of personal avatars raises questions about the role of AI in journalism and corporate communications, suggesting a potential shift in how information is delivered. While reactions to this technology range from intrigue to discomfort, its ability to provide interactive responses and aid in training underscores its potential to redefine engagement in multiple sectors.