First Virtual Female Anchor unveiled in China
China has unveiled the world's first female virtual TV presenter - Xin Xiaomen. She introduced herself in a widely circulated clip and outlined the programmes she would present. The avatar was modelled on the voice and appearance of popular Chinese TV anchor Qu Meng, writes the Xinhua portal.
The virtual woman, a world first, looks uncannily realistic. She is powered by an artificial intelligence system developed with the participation of Xinhua and the search engine Sogou.
The advantages of such employees are obvious - they do not get tired, they do not get paid, and they can work around the clock. Xinhua managers are sure that this new product will help reduce the cost of creating news releases.
Xin Xiaomen’s debut is billed for March during the ‘Two Sessions’ programme in which Chinese legislators are set to take part. However, Xin Xiaomen will not be the only leading avatar covering the event. Xinhua and Sogou presented two leading virtual male anchors in November last year. They have the ability to present the news in both English and Chinese.
Despite this Xinhua heads decided to play it safe - there will still be a real presenter to help the leading avatars manage the ‘Two Sessions’ programme.