Introducing use cases for text-to-speech software. Improve customer satisfaction using text-to-speech tools

Text-to-speech software is much closer to our daily lives than we might think.

Famous recent examples include AI assistants such as

• Amazon Alexa
• Google Home

.

When you ask an AI assistant a question, it gives you an answer, right?

However, that does not mean there is a human inside responding to you.

Text-to-speech technology is being used.

In this article, we will introduce use cases for such text-to-speech software.

What is Text-to-Speech Software?

Text-to-speech software is software that converts documents such as text and characters into audio and reads them aloud.

In addition to reading in Japanese, some software supports multiple languages such as English, Chinese, German, Spanish, and Italian.

Some allow you to freely change the speech speed or download the audio as MP3 or other audio files.

About the Synthesis of Text-to-Speech

The voices of AI assistants are created by being synthesized with text-to-speech software.

For example, suppose an AI assistant replies, "Today's weather is sunny."

Inside the machine, it instantly assembles the characters for the reply as "To-day's-wea-ther-is-sun-ny."

Then, by calling up and pronouncing the "sound" of each character, it can output the reply "Today's weather is sunny" as audio.

However, since pronouncing one character at a time would be too unnatural, processes such as

• audio processing and
• audio manipulation

are performed within the software to make the speech closer to how a person actually pronounces words.

Intonation and transitions between words are examples of this.

The methods for processing intonation and transitions vary depending on the text-to-speech software.

Therefore, the perception of "clarity" and "usability" of the voice differs depending on the company providing the text-to-speech software.

Scenarios Where Text-to-Speech Software is Needed

Text-to-speech software was once thought of as technology required by people such as

• the visually impaired
• elderly people who find it difficult to read small text

.

In reality, however, it is needed in many more situations than we think.

Looking at implementation examples, it becomes clear in which scenarios it is required.

Use Cases for Text-to-Speech Software

1. As automated voices for phone response services, etc.
2. As narration for videos such as YouTube
3. As a means for visually impaired people
4. As emergency announcements
5. In a radio-like role

1. As automated voices for phone response services, etc.

Text-to-speech software is used in services that read out template phrases with fixed formats, such as

• answering machine responses
• automated voice phone guidance services
• video audio for internal training

.

By adding tonal adjustments, the audio can be made closer to that of an actual person speaking, reaching a level where there is little difference from a human voice over phone-quality audio.

2. As narration for videos such as YouTube

As YouTube became popular, the use of text-to-speech software for narrations in YouTube videos has increased significantly.

In the past, "Yukkuri Commentary" videos were an early example of using text-to-speech software for narration.

Also, text-to-speech software is sometimes used for narration in TV programs.

How to quickly create narration for videos like YouTube with text-to-speech software. Tips and points | Text-to-speech software Ondoku

Explains how to quickly create YouTube video narrations with Ondoku. From how to create a script to using Ondoku, adjusting natural intonation, and tips for editing with video editing software. A must-see for those who want to streamline video production with text-to-speech software!

3. As a means for visually impaired people

For those who are visually impaired, reading books, documents, or the internet is difficult without support, even if the text is there.

That is why text-to-speech software has been used for a long time.

It is said that visually impaired people often "listen" to documents at a faster audio speed.

An acquaintance of mine always listened at 4x speed. Amazing...

4. As emergency announcements

Did you know that text-to-speech software is also used in J-ALERT (National Instant Warning System)?

During emergencies or chaos such as disasters, broadcasting within a town to call for residents to evacuate is very important.

However, until now, it was necessary for a person to be on-site to make the broadcast.

By broadcasting with text-to-speech software, it is possible to protect the safety of the staff and perform other tasks in parallel.

5. In a radio-like role

Do you know about "listening while doing"?

It means taking in other information through your ears while doing something else, such as doing housework or commuting.

A service specialized in "listening while doing" is "Arukiki" from the Asahi Shimbun.

It is a perfect service for busy people who want to hear the day's important news in about 5 minutes.

It is not a human reading the news, but text-to-speech software.

"Listening" to books or news while doing other things is gaining more attention in an era that emphasizes time performance.

What is the trending "Mimikatsu" (Ear Activities)? Explaining recommended ways to start and 5 free apps | Text-to-speech software Ondoku

A recommendation for Mimikatsu that you can start even in a busy daily life. Introducing 5 recommended free apps such as AI reading apps and podcasts, and how to use them in various scenes such as commuting, housework, walking, and exercising.

Text-to-Speech Software is Becoming Part of Our Daily Lives

Text-to-speech software is actually a much more familiar presence than you might think.

• I don't like it because it sounds like a machine
• It's hard to understand

Although it is often thought of this way, recently the clarity of the voice has been improving rapidly, making it possible to speak more humanly.

Also, text-to-speech is more convenient than you can imagine.

For example, even when reading this blog post:

• Reading silently,
• Listening to audio only,
• Following the text with your eyes while listening to the audio,

the ease of reading and how easily the information enters your head are completely different.

There are also research results showing that the more humans use their five senses, the easier it is for the content of the text to remain in the brain.

By adding a read-aloud function to blogs and other sites, you add value by making the blog readable via audio.

Added value leads to improved customer satisfaction.

Convenient things are easily accepted by people and spread easily.

"Text-to-speech" services will likely become widely popular in the future.

■ AI voice synthesis software "Ondoku"

"Ondoku" is an online text-to-speech tool that can be used with no initial costs.

• Supports approximately 50 languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, and German
• Available from both PC and smartphone
• Suitable for business, education, entertainment, etc.
• No installation required, can be used immediately from your browser
• Supports reading from images

To use it, simply enter text or upload a file on the site. A natural-sounding audio file will be generated within seconds. You can use voice synthesis up to 5,000 characters for free, so please give it a try.

Text-to-speech software "Ondoku" can read out 5000 characters every month with AI voice for free. You can easily download MP3s and commercial use is also possible. If you sign up for free, you can convert up to 5,000 characters per month for free from text to speech. Try Ondoku now.

HP: ondoku3.com
Email: ondoku3.com@gmail.com