And change your oil and ask your crush out and…
By Nicole Clark on Mar 7, 2023 at 3:42 pm
Master Chief is a jack of all trades. Trained for every kind of hard-hitting kerfuffle, the Spartan super-soldier has fought his way through the human-Covenant war in numerous Halo games over the course of more than 20 years. And now, Master Chief is here to give you all sorts of advice: from filing your taxes to changing the oil in your 2006 Nissan Murano.
YouTuber Synthetic Soundsmith used artificial intelligence voice-over technology to let Master Chief explain the intricacies of tax season, among other things. “Let’s talk taxes like we’re fighting the Alliance,” the Master Chief’s voice begins in the video.
Incredibly, the description is both character and legitimately useful. The Master Chief directs you to gather the necessary documents and receipts, adding, “Leave no stone unturned or the helmsman will catch you like a grunt in a trap.” He also walks you through choosing the login status and the Calculation of taxable income, tax liability and deductions. “But don’t try to cheat or the IRS will come after you like the tide,” he says. It ends with a reminder to submit on time – whether online or by mail.
Maybe you don’t need tax advice? Well, there are many other options. Let Master Chief guide you through changing the oil or cleaning your home. However, if you’re more into a light role-playing game, Master Chief serving as an Applebee’s waiter is also an absolute treat.
In my personal favorite, Master Chief gives listeners a pep talk on asking your crush out. “Fear not, my comrade, for I will assist you in your quest for love,” he says. “I might have fiddled with my words a bit, but I made sure you find them incredibly attractive — like the side of a warthog with a fresh coat of paint.” […] You’ll soon be holding hands with the woman of your dreams like you’re wielding two power swords.”
Over the past year, generative AI has become more sophisticated so that it can be used to generate voiceovers that sound like well-known public figures. This technology is also used to make it sound like real people, whether celebrities or politicians, are saying absurd things. While these specific examples are funny – and I’d chuckle at Master Chief if he says just about anything atypical – it’s also a reminder of how easy it is to use technology like this to blur the line between reality and fiction.
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