Why AI Voice Feels More Human Than Ever

a16z Podcast

AI voice technology has been around for years — think Siri or Alexa — but the magic has been missing. That’s changing, and quickly!

In this episode, Anish Acharya, General Partner at a16z, and Olivia Moore, Partner at a16z, explore why AI voice is reaching a breakthrough moment, how today’s models feel more human than ever, and why voice is poised to become the primary way people interact with AI.

With businesses already making tens of thousands of AI-driven phone calls daily, AI-powered conversations are no longer a distant vision—they’re happening now. Whether it's AI companions, customer service bots, or enterprise applications, voice tech is here—and it’s improving faster than anyone expected.

Resources:

Find Anish on X: https://x.com/illscience

Find Olivia on X: https://x.com/omooretweets
Read the report: https://a16z.com/ai-voice-agents-2025-update/

Listen to Raising Health’s episode on how voice AI is solving healthcare’s workforce challenges : https://a16z.com/podcast/voice-ai-solving-healthcares-workforce-challenges-with-ankit-jain/

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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.