Meta Platforms has struck a deal to buy PlayAI, a voice technology startup, as the social media giant continues its aggressive push into artificial intelligence development.

The acquisition will see PlayAI's entire workforce join Meta next week, according to a Bloomberg report. 

The team will operate under Johan Schalkwyk, a recent Meta hire, who previously led voice AI company Sesame AI.

The deal represents Meta's latest move to bolster its AI capabilities through strategic acquisitions and talent recruitment. 

Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has positioned artificial intelligence as the company's primary focus this year, directing substantial capital toward computing infrastructure and specialized personnel.

Meta recently restructured its AI operations, establishing Meta Superintelligence Labs under former Scale AI chief executive Alexandr Wang. 

PlayAI's voice synthesis technology aligns with Meta's broader AI strategy, which spans virtual assistants, character development, and audio content tools. The startup's platform enables users to generate realistic-sounding voices, capabilities that Meta expects to integrate across its product ecosystem.

The deal underscores intensifying competition among technology companies to secure AI talent and capabilities, as voice technology becomes increasingly central to digital interactions and content creation.