The first World Voice Expo and iFlyTek 1024 Global Developer Festival begins in Hefei, Anhui province, Oct 24. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The first World Voice Expo and iFlyTek 1024 Global Developer Festival began in Hefei, Anhui province, Oct 24. 

Oct 24 was chosen as the date for the festival for "1024" is the tenth power of two and the most basic gene sequence for artificial intelligence (AI). 

The first AI-themed grand event for developers, the expo attracted more than 7,500 participants engaged in the fields of smart voice and AI technologies. 

He Shushan, vice-governor of Anhui, addressed the opening ceremony, noting that the province has sped up efforts to boost the integration of the internet, big data, AI and economic realities, with a focus on such emerging industries as intelligent voice and AI. 

He also stressed that the AI industry enjoys great development potential around the world, encouraging local governments to launch preferential policies, promote the brand of "China Speech Valley", an industrial park in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone, and advance the construction of a national pioneer area for the AI industry. 

The expo set up several pavilions to showcase the cutting-edge technologies and products of intelligent voice and AI. 

The event also included seven forums themed on smart home products, vehicles and health, with the aim of popularizing China Speech Valley, helping the valley to attract investment and talents as well as building a platform for cooperation and communication