Each week, we spotlight a cool innovation recommended by some of the industry's top tech writers. This week's pick is an AI-generated podcast.
"Sheldon County is a podcast that will never sound the same twice," said James Vincent at The Verge. A Ph.D. student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is developing an AI-generated podcast with completely unique characters and plotlines for each listener. To begin, the listener types in a random number, setting in motion a "Rube Goldberg machine of calculation that will create characters, relationships, jealousies, betrayals, and maybe even a murder or two."
These plot strands are converted into a narrative read aloud by a voice synthesizer, delivering a listening experience that is distinct every time. The creator, linguist turned programmer James Ryan, has already produced several episodes, to prove that the concept can work, and is now developing a website for the wider public. It's a glimpse at the future of entertainment, when "content is not just ubiquitous but unique."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Political cartoons for December 11Cartoons Thursday's political cartoons include sinking approval ratings, a nativity scene, and Mike Johnson's Christmas cards
-
It Was Just an Accident: a ‘striking’ attack on the Iranian regimeThe Week Recommends Jafar Panahi’s furious Palme d’Or-winning revenge thriller was made in secret
-
Singin’ in the Rain: fun Christmas show is ‘pure bottled sunshine’The Week Recommends Raz Shaw’s take on the classic musical is ‘gloriously cheering’
