Meta introduces AI voices of John Cena and Judi Dench along with Orion AR glasses

Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, revealed these updates during its annual Connect conference.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, announced that Dame Judi Dench and John Cena will be available as voice options for its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot.

Users will also have the option to interact with AI versions of Awkwafina, Keegan Michael Key, and Kristen Bell for information.

The technology company's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, revealed these updates during Meta's annual Connect conference.

During the event, Zuckerberg also introduced the first functioning prototype of Meta’s augmented-reality (AR) glasses, named Orion.

Speaking about the improvements to Meta AI, Zuckerberg said: “I think that voice is going to be a way more natural way of interacting with AI than text."

Other new features for the ChatGPT-like chatbot include the ability to recognize objects from user photographs and provide relevant information about them.

There is also a new image editing tool that will let users modify photos simply by instructing Meta AI on what changes they would like made.

According to Meta, more than 400 million users engage with Meta AI monthly, with 185 million of them returning weekly.

Demonstrating the Orion glasses, Zuckerberg stated: “A lot of people have said this is the craziest technology they’ve ever seen."

Users will be able to interact with the Orion glasses using hand gestures, voice commands, and a wrist-based interface.

Meta also introduced an entry-level model of its Quest series of mixed-reality headsets, with the new Quest 3S starting at $300 (£225).

Several major tech companies have been working on developing AR glasses, though none have yet produced a commercially successful mass-market device.

Meta has invested billions in developing AI, AR, and other technologies related to the metaverse in recent years.

This year, the company is projected to spend up to $40 billion on new initiatives, setting a new record.

Before the conference, Meta’s shares closed Wednesday’s trading day at a record high of $568.31.

Meta - which owns Facebook and WhatsApp - has seen its stock value increase by more than 60% since the beginning of the year.