Text-to-speech: Listening instead of reading

Text-to-speech (TTS) – this term is virtually self-explanatory: With a text-to-speech service you can convert written text into spoken words. The programs used are being continually further developed. Although there are still no applications today in which the machine origin of the spoken word is not discernible, the technological progress is unstoppable. And with every improvement of the technology, these systems will be able to create more and more natural sounding voices.

What are the advantages of text-to-speech systems? Most importantly, vision-impaired people can benefit from those systems. In addition, they can also be used by companies as a means of expanding their outreach.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Text-to-Speech Service

• What are text to speech applications?

• Text-to-Speech – Advantages for the disabled

• Text-to-Speech and Translations

• Haven’t got time to read?

• Text-to-speech service: converting text into audio

• How can you select an appropriate text-to-speech application or service for your needs?

• Conclusion

Introduction to Text-to-Speech Service

The process of creating artificial voice from text is known as text-to-speech. When it is difficult or uncomfortable to read a screen, technology is utilized to interact with users. This not only makes it possible to use information and programs in new ways, but it also increases accessibility for people who are unable to read text on screens.

Over the past few decades, text-to-speech technology has advanced. Deep learning has made it possible to create speech that sounds incredibly natural and incorporates variations in pitch, pace, pronunciation, and inflection. Today, a wide range of use cases include the usage of computer-generated speech, which is quickly becoming a standard component of user interfaces.

Applications that interact by voice are emerging every day. Websites, mobile apps, digital books, e-learning resources, and online papers can all have voices due to text-to-speech technologies.

What are text to speech applications?

Text to speech applications are computer programs designed to convert written text into spoken words. These applications use specialized software and algorithms to recognize the text, process it, and then provide an output of synthesized voice. The synthesized voice can be modified in terms of speed, pitch, accent, and other features. The result is a natural sounding voice that can be used for a range of purposes from reading books aloud for those with disabilities or struggling with dyslexia to converting articles into audio so you can listen while you work out. Text to speech applications are also great for providing entertainment without having to turn on a screen.

Text-to-Speech – Advantages for the disabled

Text-to-speech services are a significant aspect of accessibility. Three groups of people profit most from Text-to-Speech services:

1. Millions of adults worldwide suffer from visual impairments. Text-to-speech is ideally suited to providing them with access to the written word. People whose sight is impaired must invest a lot of time and effort to make out a text. Text-to-Speech systems are of great assistance.
2. Approximately 7.5 million adults are illiterate or have difficulties with reading. And these numbers apply just to Germany. Sensitivity for illiteracy has only evolved in the past few years. Obviously, learning the alphabet and words will help those concerned in the long run. But Text-to-Speech systems have achieved amazing results especially during the learning process.
3. A similar problem – although not the same – is dyslexia. Speech-based learning disabilities are widespread. Dyslexia affects approximately 10 to 20 percent of the population worldwide. The reverse method (speech-to-text) is especially suited for the dyslexic.

Whether visual impairment, lack of knowledge or learning disabilities: Text-to-speech systems offer efficient and economical solutions for all three problem areas mentioned above. The Text-to-Speech programs are available for desktop as well as mobile devices.

Greater reach for online offers

Companies also profit from Text-to-Speech. The reach of an online offer is not only defined by the quality of the content and the Google ranking. To reach more users with your offer, the conditions for access of these contents have to be simplified. Many people are either unable to read texts or are hindered for other reasons. Text-to-Speech speaks directly to these people by converting text into readily available audio files.

Many internet users (especially users of smartphones) are fundamentally skeptical with regard to texts and rely on audio-visual content. Text-to-speech offers solutions for this target group in particular. Text-to-Speech technology plays an important part in the optimization of websites for screen readers or in the programming of virtual assistants.

Tip:

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Text-to-Speech and Translations

Text-to-Speech Services has also proved useful in combination with translation programs. Non-native speakers can more easily find their way around in foreign countries. Text-to-Speech makes understanding important information in text form possible – quickly and easily. For instance, in practice:

1. A sign might contain important information in a foreign language.
2. The user can hold his smartphone so that the camera is directed at the sign and activate the Text-to-Speech app, which works together with a translation program.
3. The information will be read to the user in his native language.

In addition to providing quick assistance, Text-to-Speech systems also have a learning effect. They help people master a new language in a foreign country more quickly. Learning by doing is an excellent way of storing information in our memory.

Haven’t got time to read?

High workloads and deadlines are a great challenge for independent workers and employees. Technical innovations, such as Text-to-Speech systems, can bring relief. Text-to-speech systems are ideal for multitasking. If you are busy with an important assignment on your monitor screen, you can have your incoming e-mails read to you. This ensures that you will not miss anything of importance, and saves the time needed to check the e-mails in written form. The same applies to the time spent in the car or on your bike. Text-to-Speech converts the text and reads all incoming e-mails or urgent business documents – while the driver can concentrate on the traffic.

Text-to-speech service: converting text into audio

In order to improve Text-to-Speech systems, they require lots of data in the form of audio files. These need to be recorded by different people since every human voice and speech pattern is unique. This allows the machine to learn differences in pronunciation, intonation and pace among others. By using such data sets for machine learning, the programs become better at creating natural sounding voices.

Your text-to-speech service provides you with the amount of voice recordings required. You can define how long the files should be, how much data you need and what format should be used. Our more than 4.5 million Clickworkers around the world create the recordings according to your specifications. Additional quality checks ensure that you receive exactly the data you need with our text-to-speech service. Contact us if you want to find out more about our services.

How can you select an appropriate text-to-speech application or service for your needs?

There are many reasons why someone might need a text-to-speech application. According to the intended use, you should check the applications accordingly to find the right one for you. When choosing a text-to-speech application or service, one should consider a range of factors.

1. Quality of text-to-speech applications
   Accuracy is important when choosing a text-to-speech application or service because it ensures that the user’s voice is reproduced exactly. This enhanced accuracy leads to improved accessibility for users and increases trust in the technology being used. Furthermore, accurate results help to ensure proper deployment of the application or service and can lead to more successful outcomes.
2. Variety of voices and languages offered by text-to-speech applications and services
   It is important to have a variety of voices to choose from when selecting a text-to-speech application or service because it allows businesses to reach customers in different countries and regions around the world. Additionally, having access to multiple languages and dialects helps build trust with customers by creating voiceovers for ads, commercials, product demos and other content pieces in native languages.
3. Reading speed options of text-to-speech applications and services
   It is important to consider the reading speed options of text-to-speech applications and services because they can help people with disabilities read text at a pace that is comfortable for them. People with disabilities may find it difficult or even impossible to read certain texts without the option of adjusting the reading speed, so having access to applications and services that allow this can make all the difference.
4. Accessibility of text-to-speech applications and services
   Accessibility is an important factor to consider when choosing a text-to-speech application or service because it allows people with disabilities to access information displayed on screens. Text-to-speech software helps people who are blind or have other disabilities to access information quickly and accurately, and proper coding makes websites accessible to all users, not just those with disabilities. People with disabilities may need assistance using applications like these, so accessibility should be considered when selecting a text-to-speech application or service.
5. Customization features of text-to-speech applications and services
   With customization features, voices can be fine-tuned to match the brand voice of a company or create custom voices for specific customers or situations.
   Also, users should examine if there are any add-on features such as translation services or audio post-processing that could improve their text-to-speech experience.
6. Cost of text-to-speech applications and services
   Cost is an important consideration when selecting a text-to-speech application or service, as different services may offer different features and performance at various price points. It is important to compare the features and performance of available options before making a decision, as well as keeping the cost in mind when selecting one.
7. Ease of use of text-to-speech applications and services
   Ease of use is important when selecting a text-to-speech application or service because users need to be able to access the features and functions of the service without having to learn complicated settings. This ensures that they can quickly and easily benefit from the technology, making it more user friendly.
8. Device support of text-to-speech applications and services
   When choosing a text-to-speech application or service, individuals should consider the type of voices available in the desired language and dialect, the level of technical support offered by the provider, and how quickly and easily they can deploy their solution. Additionally, it is important to research what kind of customization options are available with each service or provider.

Conclusion

Text-to-speech can reduce barriers in many sectors. In doing so, technical progress simplifies daily life as well as the organization of your workday and promotes equal opportunities on the labor market. It also provides companies with new ways of better addressing potential customers – in the true sense of the (spoken) word.

Robert Koch