What is Text to Speech (TTS) Technology & How does it Work?

AI based systems, technology, and tools are everywhere. We spend more than half of our day with such things. In order to get the best and most worth it experience we try different types of tools. But whether we like it or not depends entirely on the level of utility. 

 

“I don’t want to really scare you, but it was alarming how many people I talked to who are highly placed people in AI who have retreats that are sort of ‘bug out’ houses, to which they could flee if it all hits the fan.”

—  James Barrat

 

In this blog we will look at one such AI technology- TTS. Text to speech technology, like AI, has changed our daily lives. Let us look at its working, its types and how it is beneficial to humans including children.

 

 

What is Text to Speech (TTS) Technology?

 

TTS stands for Text-To-Speech Technology. As the name suggests, it means a technology that helps to read the text out loud. In simple words it can take text from your computer, mobiles or tablets and read it aloud so we can hear it. 

 

This technology is very beneficial to people who cannot see or have difficulty in reading. Not only adults but children can also use it to enhance their speaking, pronunciation, and reading skills. Moreover TTS can be used by those children who have difficulty in studying, especially reading the text.

 

The working of such software is also very easy. You just have to click with one finger and the device will automatically take the text written on the screen, process it within seconds and generate the audio. TTS will provide an experience which will combine both the senses of seeing as well as hearing for kids and adults.

 

(Also Read - Speech Analytics)

 

Benefits of TTS for Children

 

It is a very interactive and interesting technology. There are so many medical conditions in kids wherein their development process becomes slow. Such conditions can make a child feel isolated from others. 

 

But with such technologies like TTS, a child can grow and develop normally. He can read and understand just like other kids of his age. Here are some of the benefits of using TTS:

 

1. Helps in recognising the letters, words and even sentences.

 

2. The audio generated makes children more interested and engaged in the material they are studying.

 

3. Reading assignments can be done with better efficiency and with less time.

 

4. After the writing part is done, kids can use TTS to find out their mistakes.

 

(Also Read - AI in Early Child Education)

 

Types of TTS Tools

 

You can find 4 different types of TTS tools that can help you. These tools can work on every device like PC, Laptops, Mobiles and even tablets. All documents can be read aloud using TTS. Be it word files, pdf, or even any webpage on the internet.

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Types of TTS tools

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1. Built-in TTS

 

You can find many devices that have an in-built TTS. Such devices are mobiles, tablets and even laptops. The main advantage of having an in-built TTS software is that you do not have to spend a single penny on purchasing the software or app later on.

 

2. Web based TTS

 

On some websites also, you can find reading assistants. Such assistants on the web are called Web-based TTS. Many times we do not notice such assistants. They are in the left corner of the screen. 

 

We have to click it and it will start reading. Google also has a reading assistant. If we search a word on google, we can find a mic on the screen that helps to learn the pronunciation of the word. It is also included in Web based TTS.

 

3. TTS Software

 

If you do not have an in-built software you can purchase it from the market or online. For example- Read&Write and Claroread. They both are reading tools and also have a TTS technology. Kids that have dyslexia can benefit from such softwares.

 

4. TTS Apps

 

Many TTS mobile applications are available on app stores. You can download it on your mobile or tablets. These apps not only have TTS software but also have many secondary features as well. You can highlight the text, add bookmarks when you leave, change highlighting colors etc. For today’s generation Apps are the best way to learn.

 

Apart from these 4 tools you can also use Chrome. Chrome is a browser wherein you can find TTS tools as well. You can use Chromebook or the browser. It also helps in providing reading assistance.

 

(Also Read - Different AI examples)

 

Application of TTS Technology

 

Stephen Hawking is a legend and whenever we hear TTS we think of him. We know he has not been able to communicate himself but uses tools like TTS to communicate with others. This famous physicist was the first ever person to use DECtalk DTC01 for answering telephone calls. This software obviously TTS enabled had an automated voice.

 

In real life we use TTS softwares in many things. Some of them are:

 

1. IVR systems, it is used by customer centers.

 

2. Voice applications like Alexa on Amazon can be used for shopping.

 

3. In navigation and for directions. GPS and different mapping apps also use TTS technology.

 

4. In IoT devices and other home applications.

 

5. Virtual Agents also use TTS. Like Siri, Bixby

 

6. Marketing and advertising solutions used by companies. Like musical ads that use music streaming.

 

7. In video games.

 

These simple tools and technologies have made our life easier in ways in which we never thought. With one easy tap on the screen we can read, learn and even understand everything. In countries like India where literacy rate is not very high people rely on such tools to understand. TTS technology can be a boon for people in developing countries.