The first text-to-speech system was developed in the early 1960s by a team of researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Text-to-speech technology uses a combination of natural language processing (NLP) and speech synthesis to convert written text into spoken audio.
The first vocaloids, a type of AI-powered singing voice software, were developed in Japan in the 1980s.
AI-powered text-to-speech software can be used to generate audiobooks in over 10 different languages, making it possible to produce audiobooks for global audiences.
Professional audiobook narrators typically record at a rate of around 15-20 words per minute, while AI-powered text-to-speech software can produce audiobooks at much faster rates, often exceeding 100 words per minute.
Some AI-powered text-to-speech software uses machine learning algorithms to improve the sound quality of the audio, by adjusting factors such as pitch, tone, and volume.
The most popular AI-powered text-to-speech software for audiobook production is likely to be Amazon's Polly, followed closely by Google's Text-to-Speech.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have developed an AI-powered text-to-speech system that is capable of accurately converting written text into spoken audio, even when the text contains complex vocabulary and grammar.
The quality of AI-powered text-to-speech software can vary significantly depending on the specific software and settings used, with some software producing high-quality audio while others can sound robotic or stilted.
AI-powered text-to-speech software can be used to create audiobooks in a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and even audiobooks for children.
The processing time required to produce an audiobook with AI-powered text-to-speech software can vary depending on the length of the text, the complexity of the language, and the specific software used.
AI-powered text-to-speech software can be used to produce audiobooks with varying levels of realism, from simple text-to-speech to more advanced speech synthesis with natural-sounding intonation and inflection.
Researchers are exploring the use of AI-powered text-to-speech software in a variety of applications, including language learning, speech therapy, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
AI-powered text-to-speech software can be used to create specific accents and dialects, allowing for the production of audiobooks with unique and authentic regional flavors.
The development of AI-powered text-to-speech software has opened up new opportunities for independent authors and small presses to produce high-quality audiobooks without the need for significant financial investment.