T-9: Speaking of Machines Speaking

Early real application of artificial intelligence.

@cbuzz16

7/6/20232 min read

three crumpled yellow papers on green surface surrounded by yellow lined papers
three crumpled yellow papers on green surface surrounded by yellow lined papers

Machine-generated speech is a very old concept!

Machine-generated speech has actually been around for a long time, despite the common misconception that it is a recent development. In fact, the concept of machines producing speech dates back many years. Early attempts at machine-generated speech can be traced back to the 18th century, with inventors experimenting with mechanical devices to produce sound and mimic human speech. Over the years, technology has advanced significantly, leading to the development of sophisticated speech synthesis systems.

Neural networks have revolutionized the field of speech synthesis. By leveraging deep learning techniques, these networks are able to generate highly realistic and natural-sounding speech. This has vastly improved the quality and intelligibility of synthesized voices, making them almost indistinguishable from human speech. Neural networks are trained on large datasets of recorded human speech, allowing them to learn the subtle nuances and variations in speech patterns. This enables them to accurately replicate the intonations, accents, and emotions present in the original recordings. The application of neural networks in speech synthesis has found wide-ranging applications, from virtual assistants and chatbots to audiobooks and voiceovers.

Today, we are surrounded by machine-generated speech in various forms, from virtual assistants on our smartphones to automated announcements in public spaces. It is fascinating to see how this old concept has evolved and become an integral part of our daily lives.

green robot toy
green robot toy

Talk about healthy

Hearing spoken words is a healthy activity that stimulates our cognitive abilities and promotes social interaction. When we listen to others speaking, our brain processes the sounds and interprets the meaning behind the words. This process enhances our auditory processing skills, helping us to distinguish different sounds and improve our overall listening skills. Engaging in conversations and actively listening to others also fosters social connections and builds stronger relationships. By paying attention to spoken words, we gain valuable information and expand our knowledge. Furthermore, hearing spoken words allows us to enjoy the beauty of language and appreciate the power of communication. Therefore, it is important to prioritize and value the ability to hear spoken words for our overall well-being.

silver and black microphone on black and silver microphone stand
silver and black microphone on black and silver microphone stand

T-9 Days