Owing to consistent advancements in chip computing and AI algorithms, the scope of AI applications has grown exponentially across multiple sectors. The early years saw a primary focus on image recognition, followed by gradual yet impactful inroads into speech and text applications. A notable breakthrough was the introduction of ChatGPT, a major achievement in AI speech technology that gained widespread acclaim since 2022.
At present, AI applications in the speech sector fall into three distinct categories. Foremost, chatbots that engage with consumers via text or speech, have become integral components in customer service frameworks. Second, voice-to-text applications translate recorded files or user speech into corresponding text, thereby reducing manual processing time considerably - an optimal solution for tasks like recording meeting minutes or for media professionals.
DeepWave's Chief Operating Officer, Sung-tsan Yeh, cites noise reduction and the separation of human voices from background noise as the third noteworthy application of AI in the speech sector. Traditional methods to enhance speech quality required meticulous professional input, making it a time-intensive and expensive process only affordable for high-budget video projects. In contrast, individual content creators such as YouTubers or online instructors with limited budgets could only rely on pre-production noise-canceling equipment as they could not afford professional post-production services. Given the rising popularity of YouTube and online teaching, a significant number of companies are investing in AI technology to address the need for noise reduction and voice-background noise separation.
DeepWave Revolutionizes Noise Reduction with AI Acoustic Recognition Technology
Founded in September 2019 by Professor Roger Jang of National Taiwan University's Computer Science & Information Engineering Department, CTO Ken Yeh, and CEO Henry Lin, DeepWave is a startup created under the aegis of Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council's Germination Program. This pioneering company is committed to offering cost-effective AI acoustic recognition technology, aiming to streamline manpower requirements, elevate productivity, and augment industrial value across numerous sectors requiring speech recognition. The startup offers over 20 varieties of API services for acoustic AI recognition and processing, closely collaborating with sectors such as music post-production, education, corporate interviews, and anomaly detection in mechanical noises.
A key product from DeepWave, the Noise Eraser, exemplifies intelligent AI noise reduction. Trained on approximately 10,000 human voice and noise files, it mimics professional sound effects engineers' noise-reduction techniques. This enables users to effortlessly achieve professional-grade noise reduction and enhance voice clarity in their videos. The user-friendly tool requires only three steps and an average minute to process five-minute footage, significantly alleviating disruptions from environmental noises for content creators and educators, thereby enhancing video quality.
COO Sung-tsan Yeh notes that conventional noise-removal methods often render audio signals unauthentic, a common issue with most free tools. DeepWave's approach, built on foundational AI technology and backed by extensive experimentation and user testing, allows optimal application ratios for a broad spectrum of use-cases. Users can fine-tune the voice-to-noise ratio based on their preferences. With over two decades of presence and numerous victories in international speech and music analysis contests, DeepWave seeks to translate promising technologies into steppingstones to expedite businesses' digital transformation, thereby contributing to Taiwan's digital revolution.
DeepWave's Noise Eraser: A Global Success Story and a Glimpse into the Future
DeepWave operates its flagship product, Noise Eraser, under a freemium model where users can process up to five-minute videos for free, while unlimited access is provided to subscribers of the paid version. The product's superior noise reduction capabilities, coupled with affordable subscription pricing, have attracted a significant international user base, contributing to 70% of the company's revenue. Testament to its robust technological prowess, DeepWave has received numerous accolades, including the "2021 GO NEXT DIGITAL" award under the Bureau of Industry's "Demo: Pitch Talent Cultivation Program", "Purpose Demo Show" by Startup Taipei, Chang Gung University and United Innovation, and the AIGO AI Talent Training Program award by the Administration for Digital Industries, Ministry of Digital Affairs.
CEO Henry Lin acknowledges the support DeepWave has received from various legal entities and government agencies during its growth phase. Apart from the National Science and Technology Council's Taiwan Germination Program, the company has participated in multiple events facilitated by the TTA. Lin notes that these engagements have not only amplified brand and product exposure but also provided opportunities to connect with overseas investors and clients, bolstering the company's long-term growth prospects.
In light of Noise Eraser's market success, DeepWave has ambitious plans for 2023, including the launch of new services like meeting minutes management. Their meeting minutes service, capable of discerning different human voices and organizing all spoken content during meetings, has emerged as a promising tool. Several government agencies currently trialing this service have lauded its efficacy and potential.
Henry Lin, CEO of DeepWave
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Sung-Tsan Yeh, Chief Operating Officer of DeepWave
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Noise Eraser AI Noise-reduction Service Rolled Out by DeepWave
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