Text-to-speech assistive Technology has transformed the way we interact with content. But, what is text to speech technology? Imagine effortlessly converting text into speech, making information accessible to everyone. CoeFont introduces AI Voice Changer, a revolutionary tool that allows you to generate an AI voice, promoting inclusion and innovation.
What Is TextSpeech Assistive Technology
Text-to-speech (TTS) is an assistive technology that reads digital text aloud. It’s sometimes called “read-aloud” technology. TTS can help with reading, writing, editing, and even focusing. With just a click of a button or the touch of a finger, TTS can take words on a computer or other digital device and convert them into audio.
How Text To Speech Technology Works
Text-to-speech (TTS) technology is a powerful tool that works seamlessly with almost every personal digital device, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. This incredible technology allows users to have all kinds of text files read aloud, from Word and Pages documents to online web pages.
The voice generated by TTS is computer generated, and users can control the reading speed, making it convenient for different reading preferences. Voice quality may vary, but some TTS voices sound remarkably human, even computer-generated voices imitating a child's speech.
One of the most impressive features of TTS tools is the ability to highlight words as they are read aloud. This simultaneous visual and auditory experience enhances users' reading comprehension. Moreover, some TTS tools offer additional functionality for reading text from images. For instance, a user could capture a photo of a street sign using their phone and have the words on the sign converted into audio.
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Text-to-speech (TTS) technology is a digital equalizer, making content accessible to those with visual impairments. It promotes inclusivity by extending the reach of web content to every corner of the internet.
2. Language Learning
TTS technology is a patient tutor for language learners, helping with pronunciation and comprehension. Authentic accents and intonation guide users to develop their language skills effectively.
3. Boosting Productivity
TTS technology values time as our most precious resource. By converting text into audio, it allows users to multitask efficiently. Whether commuting or exercising, individuals can consume information effortlessly.
4. Enhanced User Experiences
TTS technology offers customizable options for digital content consumption. Whether readers prefer to listen or read, TTS caters to their needs, engaging online experiences on various platforms.
5. Assisting Those with Reading Challenges
Individuals with dyslexia or reading difficulties find traditional reading methods challenging. TTS technology acts as a trusted companion, providing an alternative path to access information without the struggles of conventional reading.
8 Use Cases Of Text To Speech Assistive Technology
1. Traffic Control and Monitoring
Text-to-speech technology has been increasingly used in traffic control and monitoring systems, enhancing communication between authorities and drivers. It also helps automate repetitive tasks for traffic controllers and streamline their work. Additionally, TTS and speech recognition technology in the airline industry have facilitated effective communication between pilots and control towers, particularly in high-risk situations.
2. Voice Messages from Businesses
Businesses are leveraging TTS to automate communication with customers and employees through personalized vocal reminders. Using speech and speech recognition software, speech can be converted to written messages, allowing for easy filtering of essential information without having to listen to entire conversations. TTS applications that read back written messages can help employees stay updated on essential notifications, boosting workflow efficiency.
3. Narrating Audiobooks
Text-to-speech technology aids in converting written language into natural-sounding speech and various audio file formats, enabling individuals to engage with audiobooks while multitasking. TTS applications benefit students, commuters, and busy individuals, providing an immersive listening experience with accurate narration, realistic voices, and emotional depth.
4. Assistive Devices
TTS technology is vital in assistive devices, particularly for individuals with visual impairments, reading disabilities, or focus issues. TTS narration assists students in studying, comprehension, and focus, improving their academic performance. Software like Speechify, which has adjustable speed control and word highlighting, enhances interaction and simplifies user information assimilation.
5. Learning and Translating New Languages
Multilingual support in TTS software allows for language learning and translation, aiding foreign language students and multilingual families in language comprehension and usage. TTS applications relay pronunciation, rhythm, and inflection, enhancing language learning through audio engagement. Moreover, TTS software can bridge language gaps in diverse family settings, offering exposure to different languages and supporting educational and recreational reading materials.
6. Travel and Tourism
TTS technology has transformed travel and tourism by providing accurate audio tours narrated by synthetic voices, aiding travelers in navigating unfamiliar territories. Multilingual support and humanlike output in TTS facilitate international communication and business interactions, fostering crosscultural understanding and collaboration.
7. Content Creation and Marketing Materials
TTS enables the conversion of written content into audio formats such as podcasts and audiobooks, expanding audience reach and accessibility for visually impaired individuals. Marketers can leverage TTS to create audio-enhanced marketing materials that appeal to audio-content enthusiasts and enhance content accessibility.
8. Enhanced Product Demonstrations
Sales teams can utilize TTS to create audio-enhanced product demonstrations or tutorials, simplifying product feature explanations and aiding potential customers in making informed purchase decisions. TTS enhances product understanding and engagement, offering a dynamic presentation approach for sales and marketing initiatives.
Types Of Text To Speech Tools
1. Builtin text to speech
Built-in TTS tools exist in various devices, such as desktop or laptop computers, smartphones, digital tablets, and Chromebooks. These tools enable users to convert text into spoken words, helping those with reading difficulties, learning disabilities, or visual impairments access content more easily. For example, the "VoiceOver" feature on Apple devices, "Narrator" on Windows computers, or "TalkBack" on Android devices are built-in TTS options for users to utilize at no extra cost.
2. Web-based tools
Some websites offer TTS tools directly onsite, allowing users to access these features without downloading additional software. This can be beneficial for individuals needing TTS only for specific online content or for those who prefer not to install separate applications for this purpose. Websites like NaturalReader or Google Translate provide web-based TTS services that allow users to convert text into speech effortlessly.
3. Texttospeech apps
Users can download dedicated TTS apps on their smartphones and digital tablets from app stores. These apps let individuals convert text to speech on their devices, making it easier to understand or interact with digital content. Some TTS tools can also be added as browser extensions, allowing users to convert online text into speech or change the reading speed as needed. Apps like Voice Dream Reader or Speech Central offer customizability and various features to enhance the TTS experience.
4. Texttospeech software programs
Many literacy software programs designed for desktop and laptop computers incorporate TTS features. These programs are specifically tailored to assist users with reading difficulties, learning disabilities, or visual impairments.
These software programs often come with additional features like highlighting text as it's read aloud, changing voice preferences, or adjusting reading speeds to cater to various user needs. Programs like Read&Write, Kurzweil 3000, or ClaroRead are popular for individuals seeking comprehensive TTS solutions.
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CoeFont is a cloud-based platform that offers a powerful AI voice generator and voice changer technology. It allows users to create natural-sounding digital voices by converting text to speech or cloning existing voices using advanced AI algorithms and deep learning techniques. With a library of over 10,000 voices in multiple languages, CoeFont provides versatile voice options for various applications like video creation, live streaming, voice acting, and more. Try our AI voice changer for free today!
15 Best Text To Speech Assistive Technology Tools To Try Right Now
1. CoeFont
CoeFont’s cloud-based platform offers a powerful AI voice generator and voice changer technology. It allows users to create natural-sounding digital voices by converting text to speech or cloning existing voices using advanced AI algorithms and deep learning techniques. With a library of over 10,000 voices in multiple languages, CoeFont provides versatile voice options for various applications like video creation, live streaming, voice acting, and more. Try our AI voice changer for free today!
2. Balabolka
Balabolka is a free downloadable app for Windows (I tested it on Windows 11; it works on Windows XP or later). You can paste text into the app or open almost any format directly, such as text files, Word documents, and even ebooks. You can then press play to listen to the app read aloud or export an audio file.
Balabolka doesn't have many voices by default, and the ones it does have are relatively robotic. You can add more voices and customize the application in various ways. Even though the app is a bit clunky, it’s the best Windows-specific app I’ve found, apart from the one built into Edge and Microsoft Office (which I prefer).
3. Natural Reader
Natural Reader offers one of the best free text-to-speech software experiences thanks to its easygoing interface and stellar results. It even features online and desktop versions. You'll find plenty of user options and customizations. The first is to load documents into its library and have them read aloud from there.
This is a neat way to manage multiple files, and the number of supported file types, including eBook formats, is impressive. There's also OCR, which lets you load up a photo or scan of text and have it spoken to you. The TTS tool is free, with three upgrades and more advanced features for power users and professionals.
4. Microsoft/Edge Read Aloud in Immersive Reader
Microsoft Office applications have a built-in text-to-speech feature, and the quality of the voices is fantastic. In any document, click the View tab, select Immersive Reader, and then press the play button that appears at the bottom. You hear your document read back to you with the corresponding words highlighted as it goes. Immersive Reader is perfect for copy editing and reviewing long documents.
5. Murf AI
Murf is a powerful AI-driven speech tool that helps you convert your text into natural-sounding audio with a wide range of voice options. It is an online SaaS that allows you to enter text and apply realistic AI voices to create audio. It can also convert audio speech files to text files.
6. Panopreter Basic
Panopreter Basic is the best free text-to-speech software if you’re looking for something simple, streamlined, no-frills, and hassle-free. It accepts plain and rich text files, web pages, and Microsoft Word documents as input and exports the resulting sound in WAV and MP3 format (the two files are saved in the exact location with the same name).
The default settings work well for quick tasks, but spend a little time exploring Panopreter Basic's Settings menu. You'll find options to change the language and destination of saved audio files and set custom interface colors. The software can even play a piece of music once it's finished reading – a nice touch you won't find in other free speech software.
7. Select To Speak
Android's Select to Speak feature can be found in the Accessibility settings. Turn it on, and you can read the text in any app when you swipe up from the bottom of the screen with two fingers or press both volume keys simultaneously, depending on how you configure it.
Controls show up towards the bottom of the screen, allowing you to start and control playback. Select to Speak is simple to use and supports a variety of voices, which you can configure in the settings. There's even experimental support for reading the text inside images.
8. Descript
Descript is a comprehensive audio and video editing software with an integrated speech feature, offering a seamless workflow for content creators. The whole platform is built differently than your typical TTS platform. Descript works by importing audio files and then converting them into text. Sounds basic.
The power of Descript’s platform is that it allows users to edit the text (in a Google Doc-like environment), which also then edits the original audio file. This means you can edit your audio like a document draft. Remove filler words, fix misspoken text, and fix other audio mishaps—all without re-recording.
9. Spoken Content
Every Apple device comes with Spoken Content, a feature that uses Siri's high-quality voices to read text out loud. On a Mac, you can enable the feature by heading to System Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content and checking the Speak Selection option, which allows you to trigger the current document or selected text in any application using a keyboard shortcut (OptionEsc). As the tool reads the text, it highlights the corresponding words on the page in most applications, allowing you to read along. Onscreen buttons give you control to speed up, slow down, pause, etc. It's the fastest way to listen to text on any platform.
10. WordTalk
Developed by the University of Edinburgh, WordTalk is a toolbar add-on for Word that brings customizable text-to-speech to Microsoft Word. It works with all editions of Word and is accessible via the toolbar or ribbon, depending on which version you're using.
The taskbar is undoubtedly not the most attractive you'll ever see, appearing to have been designed by a child. Not all buttons' functions are obvious, but thankfully, there's a help file to help. There's no escaping from the fact that WordTalk is pretty basic, but it does support SAPI 4 and SAPI 5 voices, which can be tweaked to your liking.
11. Speechify
Speechify is an intelligent speech tool designed to help users read faster and retain more information. Unlike the previous two products, it is ideal for multitaskers and those with reading difficulties.
Speechify is an assistive TTS application meant to read text to personal users—not create marketing collateral for businesses (though they have a voiceover solution for making audio/video voiceovers). Users love Speechify’s human and natural-sounding voices. It transforms how they interact with text on the web and their computer.
12. TTSMaker
The free app TTSMaker is the best speech app I can find for running in a browser. Copy and paste your text into the box, fill out the captcha, and click Convert to Speech. The application will start reading your text for you. Even better, you can download the reading as an MP3 file and use it in commercial projects. Most similar services charge a subscription for downloading audio and commercial usage, so this is a good deal. Even better, there's a wide variety of voices, and most sound good.
13. Zabaware
Despite its essential looks, Zabaware TexttoSpeech Reader has more to offer than you might first think. You can open numerous file formats directly in the program or copy and paste text. Alternatively, as long as you have the program running and the relevant option enables, Zabaware TexttoSpeech Reader can read aloud any text you copy to the clipboard – great if you want to convert words from websites to speech – and dialog boxes that pop up. One of the best free texttospeech software right now, this can also convert text files to WAV format.
14. Listnr
Listnr is an AI voice generator with a hearty speech platform that helps you turn your written content into engaging podcasts and audio files using high-quality AI-generated voices. Its text editor allows users to turn the text into audio and adjust things like voice, accent, speed, and pause. Listnr’s podcast hosting capability sets it apart, making creating, distributing, and managing your audio content easy.
15. Speechelo
Speechelo is another cloud-based text-to-speech app that provides lifelike human voices from written text. It’s an attractive option because it has a one-time purchase price that you can use for all your voiceover a TTS needs.
Try CoeFont's AI Voice Changer for Free Today
CoeFont’s cloud-based platform presents a transformative approach to text-speech technology. With its cutting-edge AI voice generator and voice changer technology, CoeFont empowers users to craft lifelike digital voices by converting text to speech or cloning existing voices through advanced AI algorithms and deep learning techniques.
Featuring a vast library of over 10,000 voices across various languages, CoeFont offers various voice options for many applications, ranging from video creation and live streaming to voice acting. Are you ready to experience the power of CoeFont's AI voice changer firsthand? Try our platform for free today and unlock a world of possibilities with voice technology!