A Kuwaiti media outlet says it has created a virtual news presenter using artificial intelligence (AI).
"Fedha" made her debut on the Twitter account of Kuwait News, an affiliate of the Kuwait Times.
She appears as an image of a woman with light-coloured hair, wearing a black jacket and white T-shirt.
Abdullah Boftain, deputy editor-in-chief for Kuwait News, told AFP news agency the move tested AI's potential to offer "new and innovative content".
"I'm Fedha, the first presenter in Kuwait who works with artificial intelligence at Kuwait News. What kind of news do you prefer? Let's hear your opinions," the AI-generated presenter said in Arabic.
Mr Boftain said Fedha may develop to have a Kuwaiti accent and read online news bulletins.
"Fedha is a popular, old Kuwaiti name that refers to silver, the metal. We always imagine robots to be silver and metallic in colour, so we combined the two," he said.
The presenter's blonde hair and light-coloured eyes reflect the country's diverse population of Kuwaitis and expatriates, Mr Boftain said.
Kuwait is not the first country to unveil an AI-generated news presenter: in 2018, China's state news agency unveiled its own virtual newsreader sporting a sharp suit and a somewhat robotic voice.
A report last month by investment bank Goldman Sachs said AI could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs.
The report suggested the technology could take over a quarter of work tasks in the US and Europe, but that it may also mean new jobs and a productivity boom.
Latest Stories
-
Fomena NPP executives smoke peace pipe after Napo’s intervention
2 hours -
Alan’s running mate slams gov’t for economic mismanagement, touts Alan as Ghana’s hope
2 hours -
Alan’s running mate Kwame Owusu Danso decries Ghana’s economic collapse, criticizes Bawumia’s leadership
2 hours -
Kwame Owusu Danso’s Emotional Tribute: From humble beginnings to Vice Presidential nominee
3 hours -
Newsfile to discuss NDC’s demand for audit of voter’s register, galamsey fight
3 hours -
Some major roadblocks in Accra, police outlines alternative routes
4 hours -
Vision FC set for tough test as Legon Cities seek first victory
5 hours -
Inland Fisherfolk want establishment of Development and Research Fund under new Fisheries Act
5 hours -
Communication professionals to discuss AI’s place in storytelling at ThinkStories Hangout
6 hours -
Country Lodge Hotel crowned Best 1-star hotel at 2024 Eastern Regional Tourism Awards
6 hours -
Filing fees of all disqualified applicants will be refunded – EC
6 hours -
We’ll end NPP’s 8 years of corruption – NDC justifies 8th position on ballot paper
7 hours -
EC has no power to determine who wins elections – Jean Mensa
7 hours -
Election 2024: It’s No.1 for NPP, No.8 for NDC on ballot paper
7 hours -
Learning Organisation wins HR, Training and Development Consulting Firm of Year 2024 award
7 hours