What does TTS mean
As technology advances, there are more and more different ways to make information accessible to any group of people. For example, vloggers can add subtitles for people with hearing problems. Alternatively, TTS can help anyone create "voiceovers" for their videos.
TTS, which stands for "Text-to-Speech", is a technology that creates an audio signal based on the written text, reproduced as a speech that sounds almost like a real human. To put it simply, TTS allows computers and other electronic devices to "read" text aloud.
How does text to speech work
The process relies on analyzing the written words and then synthesizing them into an audio signal. To achieve natural-sounding speech, various synthesis methods can be used, such as concatenative synthesis, rule-based synthesis, as well as machine learning methods, and neural networks.
In recent years, text-to-speech technology has improved significantly thanks to advances in research and development in AI and natural language processing. As a result, more natural synthesized speech can be created.
How is text to speech used
Text-to-talk is used in many fields and applications. Here are some of them:
- Voice assistants use this technology to playback responses to user queries and provide needed information verbally.
- Audiobook services, like Audible, use TTS to create audio versions of books that can be played on a variety of devices. This allows users to enjoy books without having to read them in written form.
- Navigation systems. GPS devices and mobile navigation apps often use TTS to provide voice guidance to drivers. This helps drivers focus on the road without being distracted by reading the map or device screen.
- TTS plays an important role in accessibility technologies for people with disabilities. This may include screen reading software for the visually impaired and other apps and tools that help people access information in a verbal form.
- Type to speech is also used in a lot of educational apps and software to help students with limited reading skills or language barriers. This may include read-aloud programs, audio explanations of courses or course materials, and other tools that help students understand verbal material.
These are just a few examples of the use of TTS technology, which is widely used in many areas to provide information and improve content accessibility.
Text to speech software examples
Many programs and services can help with conversion. Some of the most popular are:
- Google Text-to-Speech. This is a service from Google that provides an API for text-based speech synthesis that can be used to create speech. It also has many languages and types of voices to choose from.
- Microsoft Speech API. It is a service from Microsoft that works similarly by using API for conversion. Many languages and voices are available to choose from, as well as various speech customization features for all kinds of purposes.
- Amazon Polly. Provided by Amazon Web Services, it offers high-quality capabilities. Besides a wide selection of languages and voices, it also has advanced features such as SSML (Speech Synthesis Markup Language) support.
- Natural Reader. It is a software for PCs where users can convert text to speech. It comes with various features, including the ability to customize the speed and tone, and support for many different languages and voices.
FAQs
What is TTS?
It is the process of using computer algorithms and speech synthesis to automatically create an audio signal based on the written text. This process allows computers and other electronic devices to "read" text out loud.
What is TTS used for?
It is widely used in applications and technologies, such as readers, navigation systems, voice assistants, audiobooks, etc. It improves the accessibility and usability of electronic devices and software for users.
How to add TTS to your video?
You can use speech synthesis software or online tools and services to create audio files from text. Once the audio file is created, you can use any video editing software to combine it with your clip.
Conclusion
Text-to-speech is a popular technology that allows the device to voice whatever the user writes. This is useful both in the entertainment field, for example, for dubbing videos on various topics, and for everyday activities such as listening to audiobooks, studying, etc. The possibilities are almost endless and this helps a lot in terms of accessibility.
