Technology

James Francis

After writing columns for a few years, I have to be vigilant that I don't casually repeat a topic. I consider an idea and wonder, "Haven't I written about this before?" If so, I usually move along. But then there's resurrecting the dead with AI. I first wrote about this concept in 2022, when Amazon suggested adding the voices of dead relatives to Alexa. It was pitched in the tradition of recording videotapes of thoughts to leave to the next generation, and while the intent was noble enough, the idea was roundly dismissed as creepy.

Well, we've evolved. Resurrecting the dead with AI is not just less controversial – it's a new business opportunity, especially if you're a dearly departed diva. Specifically if you're Whitney Houston, who, despite dying in 2012, will soon be headlining a live tour. A startup has synthesised her voice and plans to parade an AI-powered version of the singer in front of audiences.