We Sat Down With will.i.am to Talk Entrepreneurship, Tech and His new LG xboom Line

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Apart from consistently delivering chart-topping hits with The Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am is equally committed to nurturing his diverse interests. By merging his passion for technology and music, this acclaimed figure is now aiming for innovation and disruption in that sphere.

As a die-hard fan, I’m over the moon about will.i.am’s latest venture! With the recent partnership with LG, his wildest dreams are now becoming reality. Together with LG, they’ve created a line of audio products that blend his signature sound and advanced AI capabilities. But here’s what really sets these new LG xboom products apart: they connect to his RAiDiO.FYI platform, a project he refers to as his “ultimate stunt.” I can hardly wait to see where this collaboration takes us!

At the CES 2025 in Las Vegas, TopMob had a chat with will.i.am. This meeting took place during the unveiling of the LG XBOOM line. We delved into their compact, AI-balanced audio devices and discussed his cutting-edge platform, RAiDiO.FYI. (For Your Information)

In early December, our partnership with LG was made public. Can you tell us how this collaboration pushes your love for music and audio to the next level?

will.i.am: LG exceeds expectations in terms of the products they create and the people they create them for. If you step inside a Mercedes EQS and notice the large hyperscreen, that screen was made by LG. They’re responsible for much of the technology we interact with daily in our society. Collaborating with LG on xboom, their line of audio products, feels like a wish fulfilled. I had attempted to venture into consumer electronics independently following the success of Beats Electronics selling to Apple. However, being connected to a giant like LG – wow, that’s incredible! Just as I said earlier, it’s a dream come true.

How do you intend to tackle or surmount issues related to the common listening experience, considering your creative perspective?

This partnership arrives at an opportune moment as we’ve been working on RAiDiO.FYI, a fresh take on the radio experience. Instead of the traditional format, this innovation enables users to engage in profound discussions about any topic they find intriguing. It’s like the radio you grew up with but offers more than just local news, weather updates, and city happenings. Unlike conventional radio, it allows for multiple participants to join the conversation simultaneously, making it a truly interactive experience. However, instead of waiting in long queues to ask questions, users can participate without delay.

Our artificial intelligence can interact simultaneously with countless individuals, but it doesn’t pose any threat to traditional radio, a medium close to my heart. Radio has significantly impacted my life. Instead of replacing radio, we aim to enhance it. By doing so, existing radio stations could welcome AI-powered companions, thus expanding their team. This would enable traditional radio shows to include an innovative element where human hosts can engage in discussions with artificial intelligence during part of the show. I’ve envisioned this entire concept, and our project, RAiDiO.FYI, aims to make this a reality on a global scale.

You’re indeed focusing on growth while maintaining the core essence of xBoom, just like others in your field. Could you share what unique aspects and superior qualities set the xBoom signature sound apart from other audio experiences?

In simpler terms, having a conversation involves talking back and forth with someone or something. While traditional speakers only respond to commands, newer AI agents can engage in more interactive conversations, allowing for a deeper understanding of information. This is beneficial as a songwriter because now AI can interpret the lyrics beyond just the music, recognizing themes like social commentary, personal emotions, and even political statements within the song. Essentially, songs are no longer simply tunes; they’re platforms for expressing ideas, feelings, and insights about the world and people. Now, AI can join in this internal conversation that listeners have with songs, making the experience richer and more immersive.

RAiDiO.FYI empowers you by bringing depth to your interactions with information and entertainment. Moreover, users will be able to develop meaningful connections with character representations of their interests. Our platform serves as a versatile ecosystem for brands, media outlets, sports teams, educational institutions, or instructors who wish to create personalized stations.

How do your entrepreneurial projects connect to your philanthropic pursuits?

The beauty of our work with FYI.AI and RAiDiO.FYI lies in its roots – it was born from the inner city, not the other way around. Building connections through music has taken me across the globe, meeting countless people. However, it’s important to remember that this journey isn’t always filled with glamour and success. There are misses, early ventures that don’t pan out, and social media scrutiny. Yet, these setbacks haven’t deterred me. I’ve written countless songs in the past, been turned down for record deals more times than I can count – but “I Gotta Feeling” is still a smash hit [laughs].

If my music career is visible to the public, there’s a chance people might judge me if things don’t go well. However, I couldn’t care less about other people’s opinions because I have my own motivations. I’m not pursuing success or wealth; instead, my entrepreneurial ventures in consumer electronics align with my philanthropic endeavors, giving me a sense of purpose beyond fame and fortune.

Could you share some details about your philanthropic endeavors and how they led to this collaboration with LG? I’m curious to learn more.

2008 marked the beginning of my afterschool program. Initially, it was quite basic, involving the mentorship and development of a junior high school student in areas related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Inspired by the increasing technological nature of the world, I recognized that opportunities might not be as abundant for those coming from similar backgrounds as mine. With this thought in mind, my goal was to provide alternative avenues for success for children from the same communities I originate from.

In my local community, I initiated a movement to modernize and advance its educational landscape. Initially, I started with a group of 65 students. Today, we cater to over 15,000 learners, offering skills in robotics and computer science. Our alumni have been accepted into prestigious institutions like Dartmouth, Brown, Stanford, CalTech, and many others. This journey fuels my entrepreneurial spirit, as I aim to show others the potential we possess. If Willie could accomplish it, so can they. My ultimate goal is to establish a self-owned campus, a dream I’ve been nurturing since 2008. The LG partnership serves as recognition of our cross-functional, multidisciplinary mission. It’s poetic and truly an extraordinary journey.

Once more, you’re bringing together realms that usually don’t overlap in people’s thoughts. What aspects of this product line are you most eager for users to explore or discover?

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that companies like LG have truly reached a pinnacle in their field where there’s barely any discernible difference between them. So what sets xboom apart? The key factor is creating an emotional bond with our users. When they interact and delve into topics they’re passionate about, we want them to feel something genuine.

And it’s not just about having some AI-generated voice. Our personas will be crafted by people from diverse cultures, reflecting the very heart of those societies. My vision is to one day see xboom on LG’s stunning screens, expanding knowledge and providing entertainment every step of the way.

But that’s just the beginning! I aim to extend xboom into the automotive sector as well. When we achieve that, well, let’s just say I’ll be feeling pretty Black Tony Stark-ish, but don’t worry, I won’t let it go to my head! [laughs]

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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2025-01-14 20:56