Apple has unveiled two new features, Live Speech, and Personal Voice, as part of its accessibility updates for iOS 17. Live Speech allows users to type their messages and have them spoken aloud during phone calls and in-person conversations. It also enables the saving of commonly used phrases for quick responses. Personal Voice, on the other hand, caters to individuals at risk of losing their ability to speak, particularly those diagnosed with conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). By reading a set of text prompts and recording 15 minutes of audio, users can create a synthetic voice that sounds like their own. This voice can then be integrated with Live Speech for use in FaceTime calls and personal interactions.
Apple's commitment to accessibility has been well-known, and these new features further demonstrate their dedication. For individuals like Philip Green, who was diagnosed with ALS, the ability to communicate with loved ones in a voice that resembles their own is invaluable. Green commended Apple's efforts, stating that being able to create a synthetic voice on an iPhone in just 15 minutes is extraordinary.
The Personal Voice feature gives hope to individuals with ALS and other speech-impairing conditions, offering them a means to communicate in their own voice.
Apple's dedication to accessibility extends beyond these two features. The company has also announced various other accessibility updates that will be introduced later this year. Apple has consistently led the way in providing inclusive features, and their commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities is commendable.
The tech giant emphasizes the importance of considering accessibility features for everyone, as it is inevitable that many will require them at some point in their lives. Whether due to aging or unforeseen circumstances, the need for accessibility can arise for anyone. The Personal Voice feature, in particular, is encouraged for all users to set up, as the ability to speak can diminish rapidly, and it may be too late to establish this feature once it is needed.
Unlike other voice synthesis tools that rely on uploading voice samples to the cloud, Personal Voice operates entirely on-device, ensuring privacy and security for users. Additionally, users will have the option to sync their voices across devices using iCloud encryption.
In conclusion, Apple's introduction of Live Speech and Personal Voice showcases its commitment to accessibility and improving the lives of individuals with speech impairments. These features provide a means for individuals at risk of losing their ability to speak to communicate effectively and maintain their unique voices. As accessibility becomes increasingly important, Apple's dedication to pushing boundaries in this area deserves recognition.
Read next: China Still Fears Apple’s AirDrop And Will Soon Introduce New Legislature On The Feature
Apple's commitment to accessibility has been well-known, and these new features further demonstrate their dedication. For individuals like Philip Green, who was diagnosed with ALS, the ability to communicate with loved ones in a voice that resembles their own is invaluable. Green commended Apple's efforts, stating that being able to create a synthetic voice on an iPhone in just 15 minutes is extraordinary.
The Personal Voice feature gives hope to individuals with ALS and other speech-impairing conditions, offering them a means to communicate in their own voice.
Apple's dedication to accessibility extends beyond these two features. The company has also announced various other accessibility updates that will be introduced later this year. Apple has consistently led the way in providing inclusive features, and their commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities is commendable.
The tech giant emphasizes the importance of considering accessibility features for everyone, as it is inevitable that many will require them at some point in their lives. Whether due to aging or unforeseen circumstances, the need for accessibility can arise for anyone. The Personal Voice feature, in particular, is encouraged for all users to set up, as the ability to speak can diminish rapidly, and it may be too late to establish this feature once it is needed.
Unlike other voice synthesis tools that rely on uploading voice samples to the cloud, Personal Voice operates entirely on-device, ensuring privacy and security for users. Additionally, users will have the option to sync their voices across devices using iCloud encryption.
In conclusion, Apple's introduction of Live Speech and Personal Voice showcases its commitment to accessibility and improving the lives of individuals with speech impairments. These features provide a means for individuals at risk of losing their ability to speak to communicate effectively and maintain their unique voices. As accessibility becomes increasingly important, Apple's dedication to pushing boundaries in this area deserves recognition.
Read next: China Still Fears Apple’s AirDrop And Will Soon Introduce New Legislature On The Feature
