Google's DeepMind unit has hired CEO Alan Cowen and several top engineers from the AI voice startup Hume AI. The move is part of a licensing deal for Hume AI's technology, which focuses on creating emotionally intelligent, conversational AI. The financial terms of the agreement have not been made public.
Hume AI will continue to operate as an independent entity and provide its technology to other companies. This strategic hiring and licensing arrangement underscores a growing focus in the tech industry on developing more natural and human-like voice interfaces as a primary method of user interaction.