Truecaller makes your voice your digital secretary!

Truecaller, the well-known caller ID service, is now offering users the ability to craft a digital assistant that mimics their voice, responding on their behalf. Originally launched in 2022, Truecaller’s AI Assistant feature has been screening phone calls and taking messages using pre-made voices. However, with the integration of Microsoft’s Azure AI Speech, users can now personalize this feature with their own voice.

Setting up your voice within Truecaller is straightforward. A subscription to Truecaller Premium, priced at $9.99 per month, is required. Once subscribed, the app prompts users to select an AI assistant, where instead of choosing from pre-made personalities, they can opt to “Add your Voice.”

Users will be asked to read a consent sentence and a brief training script aloud into their smartphone’s microphone. This process helps the AI replicate their “speaking style.” Microsoft’s Azure Custom Voice then processes the recording to create a “high-quality digital replica.” A demo sound bite is provided to give users a preview of what it will sound like when someone calls.

Good, but not perfect

Despite the innovative approach, the technology isn’t flawless. While the digital assistant mimics your voice, it still sounds somewhat robotic. Truecaller’s official YouTube channel features a video demonstrating the AI’s capabilities, showing that while the software effectively captures vocal inflections, the responses can still appear stiff. Nevertheless, it offers a unique and interactive method for screening calls, particularly useful for blocking spam.

The feature is set to roll out “over the next few weeks” as a public beta in select countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and Sweden, before becoming widely available in eligible markets.