Google Acquires Hume AI Team to Advance Voice AI Technology
In a strategic move to bolster its voice AI capabilities, Google DeepMind has acquired key personnel from the voice AI startup Hume AI, including its CEO Alan Cowen and approximately seven engineers. As reported by Wired, this acquisition aligns with a licensing agreement that allows Hume AI to continue supplying its technology to other firms in the AI sector, although financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
This acquisition highlights the ongoing trend of major tech companies enhancing their offerings by acquiring specialized talent rather than entire firms—a strategy that helps navigate regulatory scrutiny. Notably, this comes on the heels of Google’s previous acquisitions, such as that of AI coding startup Windsurf’s leadership team, and OpenAI’s recent purchases of various startup teams.
Hume AI has distinguished itself with its innovative Empathetic Voice Interface, launched in 2024, enabling conversational AI to recognize and respond to users’ emotions and moods through their voice. The startup has reportedly secured close to $80 million in funding and anticipates generating $100 million in revenue this year.
The voice technology landscape is rapidly evolving, with Google enhancing its Gemini Live feature, designed for natural conversations with AI. Last month, the company introduced a native audio model aimed at improving the functionality of its Live API.
Other tech giants are also investing significantly in voice technology. OpenAI is expected to upgrade its audio models for an upcoming audio-first device, rumored to be earbuds, developed with renowned designer Jonny Ive. Meanwhile, Meta has accelerated its focus on voice capabilities, highlighted by the acquisition of Play AI and the advancement of its Ray-Ban smart glasses, which leverage voice features for enhanced user interactions.
As demand for voice technology continues to surge, with AI voice generator ElevenLabs recently reporting an impressive $330 million in annual recurring revenue, the race to dominate this frontier of AI is clearly on.
