Clubhouse Introduces Text Message Features With Custom Voices

JAKARTA - Clubhouse, a live audio app that has ever been popular, today announced users can now send text messages to their friends, and they will hear the message in the custom sound of the sender.

To remain relevant amid a user downturn, Clubhouse introduces group voice chats where members can send asynchronous voice messages to each other, and those messages will appear in formats like Instagram Stories.

With today's announcement, the company acknowledges that you may not be in a situation to send voice messages to each other. So you can train your custom sound, send text messages, and your friends will hear the message in the voicered. The app displays an indicator to your friends when the AI voice is reading the message.

In a blog post, the company said the feature still maintains the feeling of being in real-time chats with a friend.

Imagine you sending text messages to a friend, but on the other hand they hear your words as if you're really telling me. Your custom sound makes talking and typing or reading and listening feel smooth, so you don't lose the feeling of being in a direct conversation," the company said.

Clubhouse claims its AI is capable of creating user voices that approach the original even when you practice it by reading only a few phrases. The company says AI can't brand your laughter well (so maybe don't type "hahaha").

The company can also generate voice automatically if you are uncomfortable recording your own voice. This startup doesn't specify any details, but it will most likely be a text-to-noise model. Currently, this feature is only available in the United States today.

The use of this application has decreased in recent years. The last time it raised funds with a reported valuation of US$4 billion (Rp 62.5 trillion). In recent years, several layoffs have occurred. But last year, the company claimed to have had several years remaining. Now experimenting with AI-backed features to make conversation between friends easier, with the hope that users will continue to use the app.

Last year, Apple released a feature called Personal Voice, which creates a sound that sounds like you. This is very useful for people who may be at risk of losing their speaking skills from conditions like ALS.