Can we convert text to audio offline on Android devices using Google Voice?
Can we convert text to audio offline on Android devices using Google Voice?
If you are looking to convert text to audio offline on Android devices, you might consider using the Google Text-to-Speech (TTS) engine. Google Text-to-Speech is a system-level feature that converts text into spoken words. You can find this feature in the device settings on most Android phones.
You can check and use Google Text-to-Speech:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and select "Accessibility" (the location may vary slightly depending on your device).
- Look for "Text-to-speech output" or a similar option.
- Select Google Text-to-Speech Engine as your preferred engine.
Once you have set up Google Text-to-Speech, you can use it in various applications to have the text read aloud.
Please note that while the initial setup and voice data download might require an internet connection, after this, you should be able to use the text-to-speech functionality offline.
Google text-to-speech is based on an artificial intelligence technology to convert text into voice. It is a cloud-based assistance that relies on servers to process and generate speech. The text-to-speech engine can interpret any text or phrase and convert it into an audio output that sounds like a natural human voice.
It is an outstanding feature for anyone who is having difficulty in reading or prefers to listen to text instead of reading text.
Google text-to-speech disadvantage is that it requires an internet connection. It is because the typed text is transmitted over the internet to Google’s servers, where the text-to-speech engine interprets and processes it. Without an internet connection, the text-to-speech engine cannot function and will not be able to generate speech.
Cloud-based processing, Google text-to-speech (TTS) can leverage the power of remote servers to deliver high-quality speech output without overly taxing the processing power and memory of the user’s device.
This is Google's utmost power to produce high quality text-to-speech. Google TTS uses advanced machine learning algorithms and neural networks to create natural-sounding speech. These algorithms have a large amount of data that requires a significant amount of storage or space and it is not possible for an offline device to carry this data. So, there is no such mobile that can carry that information from google to be offline.
Alternative To Google Text-To-Speech That Works Offline?
There are certain devices available that can work offline and convert text to speech.
NaturalReader:
NaturalReader is a text-to-speech software that converts written text into spoken words. It is designed to help individuals who may benefit from having text content read aloud, such as people with visual impairments, those with learning disabilities, or individuals who prefer listening to content rather than reading it.
NaturalReader excels in its primary function of converting text into speech. Users can input text through various means, such as copying and pasting, importing documents, or typing directly into the software.
The software supports multiple voices and languages, allowing users to choose the voice that suits their preferences or the nature of the content. Different accents and languages enhance the versatility of the application.
Users can customize the speech settings, including the speed of the reading, pitch, and volume. These settings allow individuals to tailor the reading experience to their comfort and preference.
NaturalReader supports a range of document formats, including TXT, PDF, DOCX, and more. This versatility enables users to listen to content from different sources.
NaturalReader also offers OCR functionality, allowing users to convert scanned documents or images with text into readable and audible content. This feature enhances accessibility for content that may not be available in a standard text format.
The software aims to provide natural-sounding voices to enhance the listening experience. This is particularly important for long-form content or when users require extended periods of listening.
Some versions of NaturalReader offer synchronization across devices. This allows users to start listening on one device and seamlessly continue on another.
NaturalReader is often used in educational settings to support students with reading difficulties. It can be a valuable tool for language learners, individuals with dyslexia, or those who benefit from auditory learning.
It is worth noting that there are different versions and editions of NaturalReader, including free and premium versions with additional features. Users can choose the version that best fits their needs and requirements.
As software offerings and features may evolve, it's recommended to check the official NaturalReader website or documentation for the latest information and updates on the product.
eSpeak is a compact open-source software speech synthesizer that converts text into spoken words. Here's a simplified explanation of how eSpeak works:
Users provide eSpeak with input text in the form of a string. This could be sentences, paragraphs, or any text that needs to be converted into speech.
eSpeak analyzes the input text to understand the structure, including words, punctuation, and formatting. It identifies the linguistic elements to be converted into audible speech.
eSpeak breaks down the words into phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound in a language. These phonemes represent the speech sounds of the language.
Users can configure the pitch, speed, and other parameters of the speech output. This allows for customization to suit individual preferences and requirements.
Using the information gathered from text analysis and phoneme generation, eSpeak employs a formant synthesis method to create the speech waveform. Formant synthesis involves generating sounds by modeling the resonances of the human vocal tract.
The synthesized speech is then converted into an audio signal that can be played through the device's speakers or any audio output system. This is the final stage where the text is transformed into audible speech.
eSpeak supports multiple languages and accents. It has various language files and configurations that users can select to ensure accurate pronunciation and intonation in different languages.
eSpeak is designed to be cross-platform and can run on various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. This allows for widespread use and integration into different applications.
It is important to note that while eSpeak is a powerful and multifaceted text-to-speech (TTS) synthesizer, it may not provide the same level of naturalness and expressiveness as more advanced commercial speech synthesis systems. However, its lightweight nature and open-source availability make it a popular choice for certain applications, especially in scenarios where simplicity and efficiency are prioritized over intricate natural voice emulation.
Voice Dream Reader:
Voice Dream Reader is a versatile text-to-speech (TTS) app designed for iOS and Android devices. It is specifically structured to provide an accessible and customizable reading experience for individuals who may benefit from having written content read aloud. Here are some key features and aspects of Voice Dream Reader:
Voice Dream Reader excels in converting text into high-quality spoken words. It supports a variety of document formats, including eBooks, articles, PDFs, and more. Users can import content from various sources such as cloud storage, web pages, or other apps.
The app offers a range of natural-sounding voices in different languages and accents. Users can choose their preferred voice to enhance the listening experience.
Voice Dream Reader provides extensive customization options, allowing users to adjust the reading speed, pitch, and volume. Users can also choose from various font styles and background colors to create a personalized reading environment.
The app is designed with accessibility in mind and works well with features like VoiceOver on iOS. This ensures that individuals with visual impairments can navigate the app effectively.
Users can highlight and annotate text within the app. This feature is particularly useful for students, researchers, or anyone who wants to mark important sections for future reference.
Voice Dream Reader includes features that cater to individuals with dyslexia. This may include specialized fonts, background colors, and other settings that can improve readability for individuals with specific reading challenges.
Voice Dream Reader supports synchronization across multiple devices. This allows users to seamlessly transition between devices while maintaining their reading progress.
The app integrates with Bookshare, a digital library that provides accessible books for individuals with print disabilities. This integration enhances the availability of a wide range of books for Voice Dream Reader users.
Voice Dream Reader can handle PDF documents and has OCR capabilities, enabling it to convert text embedded in images into spoken words. This feature enhances accessibility for content that may not be available in standard text formats.
Voice Dream Reader is widely recognized for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, making it a popular choice for individuals with diverse reading needs. As with any app, it's advisable to check for the latest updates and features on the official Voice Dream website or app store.
Pocket:
Pocket is a widely-used app for saving and organizing articles, videos, and other content to read or view later. It allows users to save content from the web and access it offline. However, the Pocket app itself doesn't have a built-in text-to-speech (TTS) feature for reading articles aloud.
If you're looking to use text-to-speech functionality with content saved in Pocket, you might consider using the following general steps:
- Most smartphones and tablets come with built-in accessibility features that include text-to-speech functionality. On both iOS and Android devices, you can use screen reading features to have the content read aloud.
- Enable the "Speak Screen" feature: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content > Speak Screen. Turn on the Speak Screen toggle. Swipe down from the top with two fingers to activate.
- Enable "Select-to-Speak": Go to Settings > Accessibility > Select-to-Speak. Turn on the Select-to-Speak toggle. Select the text you want to be read aloud, and tap the "Listen" button that appears.
- Install a third-party text-to-speech app from your device's app store. Some popular options include Google Text-to-Speech, Voice Aloud Reader, or NaturalReader.
- Open the article in Pocket, share it with the text-to-speech app, and use the app's features to have the content read aloud.
- App features and functionalities can change with updates. Make sure you have the latest version of the Pocket app and any text-to-speech app you choose to use.
Keep in mind that developments and features can change, so it's a good idea to check the latest features and updates directly within the Pocket app or in the documentation for any third-party text-to-speech apps you might use.
In sum, Google text-to-speech (TTS) does not work offline. It has a cloud based algorithm that Google needs to process. Local processing is impractical due to storage space limitations and device processing power. The TTS engine that powers Google TTS is quite large, which is necessary to support multiple languages, voices, and accents.
