Will.i.am’s New AI Radio Platform Lets Listeners Interact With An AI Host And DJ In Real Time
Black Eyed Peas frontman and tech entrepreneur will.i.am has launched RAiDiO.FYI, a free AI-powered set of interactive radio stations focused on topics like sports, pop culture, and politics.
RAiDiO.FYI uses OpenAI’s language models to create a unique experience where listeners can ask questions, request songs, and get news updates from an AI DJ.
A New Era of Interactive Radio
With RAiDiO.FYI, will.i.am aims to bring a new level of interactivity to radio. Unlike traditional radio or even AI music tools like Spotify’s AI DJ, RAiDiO.FYI allows for tor two-way communication.
Listeners can ask questions in real-time about the news, or even challenge the AI with quirky queries, making it more than just a passive listening experience.
The stations can be accessed on will.i.am’s communication and collaboration app, FYI—which stands for Focus Your Ideas.
will.i.am said he had an “aha” moment when he was recently on a radio show and the DJ opened the request line.
“The request line has always been always been awesome for radio with when the callers get to call in and talk to the DJ or talk to the guests, but they’re limited to one person at a time,” he told Billboard. “And then after the broadcast you couldn’t talk the host.”
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Tech Entrepreneurial Journey
This isn’t will.i.am’s first foray into the tech world. Known for his early investments in companies like Beats by Dre and Tesla, his tech ventures have had their share of successes and setbacks.
Despite some product failures, such as the Puls smartwatch, Will.i.am remains undeterred, viewing each attempt as a learning experience.
He is also no stranger to AI as he has been a vocal advocate for the technology, having invested in OpenAI and now incorporating it into his own products.
With RAiDiO.FYI, will.i.am sees a new opportunity to revolutionize how people consume radio in an age dominated by podcasts and on-demand streaming.
While most of the currently-available stations have been created by the FYI.AI team, will.i.am told TIME that he has plans for partnerships with creators across the entertainment and media industries.
Feature Image Credit: Music Ally
